|
KAMPALA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Sebastian Coe has vowed to ensure a refugee team's participation in the World Relays in Bahamas on April 23-24.
Speaking to Xinhua before the IAAF World Cross Country Championship in Kampala on Sunday, Coe said it is unfortunate that the refugee team failed to make it to Uganda for the Cross Country.
"We will be doing everything we possibly can to have that refugee team represented and be with us at the IAAF World Relays in Bahamas in a few weeks time," said Coe. He explained that they had tried to ensure the team travels to Uganda, but the documentation process took a longer time than was expected and they failed to make it.
The IAAF President also paid tribute to IAAF Ambassador Tegla Loroupe whose Peace Foundation initiated the refugee team concept in 2014, a project funded by the IAAF, and noted that efforts remain in motion to ensure that refugees are represented at future IAAF World Athletics Series events.
"Tegla came to the IAAF a few years ago with the concept that wherever possible, that the sport should reach out to challenged communities," said Coe.
