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As the world grapples with record numbers of displaced people, the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) is doubling down on its mission to support refugees and forcibly displaced youth through sport. Earlier this month in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ORF announced an expansion of its strategy through 2030 with a clear message that support must not only continue but also accelerate.
Established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2017, the ORF has grown into a source of hope for millions uprooted by conflict, climate change and persecution. Over the past eight years, its youth support has been remarkable: nearly one million young people affected by displacement are experiencing safe and inclusive sport, which promotes healing, connection and hope, of which 210,000 have direct access to sport across 17 programs in 12 countries. Underpinned by over USD 24 million in program funding, it has also facilitated the training of 2,800 coaches to deliver safe sport practices, fostering long-lasting impact.
The need has never been greater. As World Refugee Day approaches on June 20, more than 122 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced while escaping conflict, persecution and natural disasters. Over 40% of them are children, many of whom face unsettled futures without access to education, safety or community.
The ORF’s work is filling gaps and transforming lives based on the belief that “sport can develop stronger ties in communities, provide opportunities to learn new skills, build networks and improve health.” Going forward, the foundation’s reach will continue to expand geographically and programmatically across its three focus areas:
1) Access – ensuring more young people affected by displacement can access and benefit from safe sport, through initiatives including sport- and play-based activities, upskilling coaches and through the Refugee Athlete Support program and Refugee Olympic Team.
2) Adoption – ensuring that the role of safe sport in supporting young refugees is widely understood and used; for instance, encouraging national governments to include safe sport in their refugee response frameworks.
3) Collective action – mobilizing partnerships to create sustained change and improving the way sport supports young people affected by displacement.
An example of the impact the foundation is having can be seen through “Game Connect,” a flagship sport and mental health program. A recent evaluation revealed a drop in depression symptoms among participants from 57% to just 6%. Reports of anxiety also dropped sharply, with 79% of youth reporting improved psychological wellbeing after engaging in sports activities.
Perhaps the most visible symbol of the ORF’s vision is the Refugee Olympic Team, which claimed its first medal at the Paris 2024 Games. With 102 athletes supported through Olympic Solidarity scholarships since 2016, the team is preparing to compete at LA 2028 and make its Youth Olympic debut at Dakar 2026.
Through sport, the ORF is dedicated to offering vital connections, confidence and hope.
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