Refugee Team to Compete in November 2026 Youth Olympics
The first Youth Olympic refugee team will make its debut at the upcoming games hosted in Senegal.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Olympics
Live Poll
Should international sports organizations prioritize the inclusion of dedicated refugee teams in major games?
Six refugee athletes will participate in the November 2026 Youth Olympics, led by Chef de Mission Yiech Pur Biel. This milestone marks the first time Senegal hosts an Olympic sporting event on African soil, featuring a total of 3,000 athletes.
Why it matters
The team aims to represent millions of displaced youth worldwide and bring visibility to the ongoing refugee crisis. By providing a platform for these competitors, the initiative highlights the stories of individuals seeking refuge and sporting achievement.
The refugee team consists of 6 athletes selected through International Olympic Committee trials. They are competing alongside a total field of approximately 3,000 athletes participating in the games.
The players
Yiech Pur Biel
He is the Chef de Mission for the refugee team and a former Olympic runner.
Arno Yafunga Botay
He is a 15-year-old judo competitor who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017.
International Olympic Committee
This organization oversees the Olympic Games and managed the selection trials for the refugee athletes.
The details
Team leader Yiech Pur Biel, who previously competed in the 800m event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, serves as the Chef de Mission. Among the team members is 15-year-old judo athlete Arno Yafunga Botay, who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017.
Timeline
2016: Yiech Pur Biel competed in the Rio summer Olympics.
2017: Arno Yafunga Botay fled the Democratic Republic of Congo.
November 2026: The opening ceremony launches the Youth Olympics.
Season Trajectory
This entry follows the pattern set by the refugee team at the 2016 Rio Olympics by institutionalizing refugee participation in global sport. It marks the first time such a team competes in the youth-level games, expanding the inclusivity of the Olympic movement.
The introduction of this team brings focus to the 45 million displaced people in Africa and 120 million globally within the context of international athletics. Fans and observers can look for these six athletes across the various scheduled sporting events in Senegal.
The takeaway
The participation of refugee athletes demonstrates how sporting organizations can provide platforms for displaced youth to compete on a world stage. These athletes represent the resilience of displaced populations while fostering global awareness through their performances.
Further reading
Find more coverage of global competition on our Olympics page.
Live Poll
Should international sports organizations prioritize the inclusion of dedicated refugee teams in major games?
