05/06/2026
WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2026 EDITION: PROMOTING SPORTS (Gateball) AS PLATFORM FOR PEACE & COHESION
20th June 2026:
World Refugee Day is an international observance held globally on June 20 every year to honor the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of people who have been forced to flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2000, the day provides a vital opportunity to build global empathy and raise awareness about the challenges faced by displaced individuals. It focuses on the fundamental right to seek safety, dignity, and a secure future.
At Kenya Gateball Federation (KGF) we have partnered with Ni Wakati Sports Africa, A local grassroot sports organization to commemorate the special day. We shall be introducing GATEBALL to the Refugee community appreciating that sports are apolitical and a universal language that cuts across age, gender, religion and social status.
Part of our day engagement will also involve supporting a tree planting initiative within the community. For Refugees, many of whom have lost homes, land and roots; planting a tree is deeply symbolic. Each tree planted will represent renewal, stability and a future restored.
Through promoting GATEBALL amongst the refugee community from various countries, we hope to break language barriers, fostering teamwork by allowing individuals from vastly different cultural and linguistic backgrounds to communicate and collaborate effectively building essential social networks.
Our mantra at Kenya Gateball Federation remains: "Gateball is chess on grass; it is won with the mind long before it is won with the mallet."
Kevin Kibe
President: Kenya Gateball Federation
E-mail: [email protected]