Samuda Welcomes ‘Visionary’ Move to Include Youth Refugee Team at Dakar Games

The Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will be the first to include the participation of a Youth Refugee Olympic Team.

This was decided by the International Olympic Committee, IOC, Executive Board during its meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday.

The decision marks the latest step in the IOC’s ongoing commitment to support refugees and displaced people through sport, at all levels.

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Christopher Samuda, described the move as visionary.

Samuda says the inclusion of a refugee team will shine a light on the global displacement and refugee crisis.

Christopher Samuda.