PHOTOS: THF celebrates 10 Years empowering Refugee Athletes at Kigali Festival

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) celebrated a decade of humanitarian work with the Hope and Dreams Sport Festival, held from 4 to 6 February 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The three-day festival brought together approximately 250 refugee athletes from Mahama and Kiziba Refugee Camps, supported by 50 staff and volunteers, in a vibrant celebration of resilience, inclusion, and youth empowerment.

Organised in partnership with the Rwanda Taekwondo Federation, the Rwanda Ministry of Sports, and humanitarian partners including UNHCR, the festival highlights sport as a powerful tool for connection, opportunity, and dignity.

Competitions were held at Petit Stade Amahoro, alongside safeguarding workshops and well-being initiatives, ensuring the event provided not only athletic opportunities but also spaces for learning, reflection, and long-term growth.

For many of the athletes, taekwondo has been a consistent source of focus and confidence in uncertain circumstances.

On the mats, they displayed intensity, determination, and respect—celebrating victories and learning from defeats.

Between matches, unscripted moments of joy, camaraderie, and mentorship revealed the human heart of the festival, from shared laughter to quiet coaching guidance.

“Sport gave me direction when I needed it most,” said Parfait Hakizimana, THF coach in Mahama Refugee Camp and Paralympian refugee athlete.

“Now I see these young athletes finding their own path. They are not defined by where they come from, but by where they are going.”

Leadership voices highlighted the importance of collaboration and long-term impact, said Maher Magableh, THF Operations Director.

“Ten years ago, we believed taekwondo could be more than a sport in refugee communities. Today, we see proof in the confidence, discipline, and unity of these young people.” Richard Barnor, THF Trustee,

“This festival shows what is possible when humanitarian organisations and national federations work together.” He added

The Rwanda Taekwondo Federation emphasized that refugee athletes are an integral part of Rwanda’s sporting community, with government and local support underscoring this inclusion.

In closing, Medals were awarded as recognition of earned achievement, reflecting dignity and pride rather than charity.

Founded in 2016, the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) leverages sport, specifically taekwondo, to empower refugee youth, build resilience, and strengthen partnerships between humanitarian and national institutions.

The Hope and Dreams Sport Festival exemplifies THF’s decade-long commitment to creating opportunity, hope, and dignity through sport.

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