Trials of Hope: Bidding to make the Refugee Olympic Team in Kenya
The decay test was held in collaboration with Kenya National Olympic Committee (NOC), Kenya Athletics and UNHCR, as well as the World Athletics and the corresponding Judo and Taekwondo Federation.
In a competitive atmosphere, people show a series of emotions, with expectations, anxiety and resilience on their faces.
There is also an overwhelming sense of freedom.
“When we remove them for a day or two, they will be appreciated and verified,” said Paul Tergat, president of Kenya’s NOC, told BBC Sport Africa.
“That’s why it’s very important to give them opportunities and exposure.”
Former 800 million world champion Janeth Jepkosgei is now a rotting coach in the world track and field, and he knows the united power of athletics very well.
“I want to bring these athletes to the next Olympics and I want to see them reach the finals,” the 41-year-old said.
“When they crossed the line and became winners, we wanted to turn that sad moment into happiness.”
The latest data released by UNHCR shows that Kenya is home to more than 820,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers.
As the civil war continues in Sudan, the escalating battle with the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo may grow.
“No one wants to be a refugee,” Tigert said.
“We want to use sports to give them dignity and honor. They are our siblings, so we need to give them this opportunity to improve their talents and encourage them.”
At the end of the trial, the winner was recognized, but it was obvious that victory did not mean that the IOC scholarship was automatically selected.
The athlete returns to Kakuma and waits for fate to shine.
Until then, they kept holding on to hope.
