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Mo Farah in Kenya to champion migrant needs

Mo Farah is in Kenya as a UN Immigration Global Goodwill Ambassador © IOM Kenya

By Rama Mohammed | 22 Apr 2024

Mo Farah will be at the Kakuma Refugee Camp today for a series of activities

Renowned athlete Mo Farah is currently in Kenya on official capacity as the International Organization for Migration (IOM)'s inaugural Global Goodwill Ambassador. The Olympic gold medalist aims to amplify awareness and support for migrants while advocating for sport as a catalyst for integration.

During his three-day stay, Farah, who himself survived human trafficking, will immerse himself in the realities faced by migrants in Kenya. His itinerary includes meetings with migrants, local authorities, and civil society, shedding light on their needs and aspirations.

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"It’s an honour to return to Kenya on my first official visit as IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador, to meet with people in the region I was born in and share the power of sport – how it transforms migrants’ lives, unites people from different backgrounds, and builds confidence and communities," said Mo Farah.

#GWA @Mo_Farah visited @mysakenya where he launched a digital library and participated in a football tournament that included players from six countries, proving sport has the ability to unite.#IOMOntheMove #ScoreWithMo4Migration pic.twitter.com/mS1Ne3k3bb
— IOM - UN Migration 🇺🇳 (@UNmigration) April 21, 2024

Kenya, home to over one million migrants and half a million registered refugees, grapples with challenges stemming from conflict, climate change, and economic hardships. Recognizing this, Farah's visit underscores the critical role of sport in fostering inclusion and empowerment.

"As an extraordinarily successful Olympic athlete who has experienced both the challenges and joys of migration, Mo Farah is uniquely positioned to raise awareness of how to include migrants in societies around the world using sport as one tool to make that happen," said IOM Director General Amy Pope.

Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission with IOM Kenya, expressed delight at Farah's visit and unveiled plans for the 'Mo Farah Centre' and the 'Mo Farah Cup.' These initiatives, including a digital library and an annual tournament, aim to empower the youth economically through sports.

Plot for the day.

The legendary Mofarah is in town. pic.twitter.com/XUk4QuU64z
— Brigid Siantei (@BrigidSiantei) April 22, 2024

The 'Mo Farah Cup, featuring migrants, refugees, and host communities, will spotlight sports' role in fostering social cohesion. Additionally, Farah will participate in a symbolic sprint with youth, migrants, and refugees at the Kakuma-Kalobeyei resettlement, emphasizing the potential of sports mobility as an alternative pathway for youth economic empowerment.