Africa: Five athletes heading from Kenya to 2017 IAAF championships in London

Five refugee athletes are heading to London from Kenya to compete in the World Athletics Championships opening this week, the first time in the competition’s 34-year history that refugees will be taking part.

Athletes from Kenya 

 

The athletes are pleased to have the opportunity to compete internationally after months of training in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Ahmed Bashir Farah, Anjelina Lohalith, Dominic Lobalu, Rose Lokonyen and Kadar Omar will be participating as members of the Athlete Refugee Team.


The Athlete Refugee Team were selected for the London championships after trials organized by the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation. Long-distance runner Tegla Loroupe is the world record holder for 20, 25 and 30 kilometres and has been coaching the five athletes and other refugees.

Part of the foundation’s mission is to promote the socio-economic development of poor and marginalized individuals and communities in northern Kenya and the Horn of Africa. It has organized annual Peace Races across East Africa. Continue reading...unhcr.org


See also: Christian World News Headlines at Elevate Christian Network