Kenya’s Audrey Oronda Selected Among 26 Global Leaders for Historic Dakar 2026 Games
The Lead: A Historic Milestone for Africa
​For the first time in history, the Olympic flame will burn on African soil. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), scheduled to take place in Senegal, represent a transformative moment for the continent. As the first-ever Olympic event hosted in Africa, the Games are designed not just as a competition, but as a catalyst for social change and youth empowerment across the globe.
The Achievement: 1 in 5,000
​Standing at the forefront of this historic event is Kenya’s own Audrey Oronda. Her selection is a testament to her extraordinary dedication; she was chosen as one of only 26 IOC Young Leaders from a staggering pool of over 5,270 applicants representing 169 countries.
Formally recognized by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) and President Paul Tergat, Audrey’s inclusion in the 2025–2028 cohort highlights her status as a premiere “transformative agent” in the world of international sport.
The Role: Championing Well-being at Athlete365 House
​When the Games kick off later next year, Audrey will be stationed at the Athlete365 House within the Youth Olympic Village. In this vital role, she will:
​Lead Interactive Sessions: Facilitate athlete-centered workshops focusing on inclusion, mental well-being, and “life beyond sport.”
​Bridging the Gap: Execute outreach programs in local Dakar communities to ensure the Olympic legacy reaches beyond elite venues.
Mentorship: Use her platform to inspire the next generation of athletes to view sport as a tool for personal and societal growth.
The Timeline: Save the Date
​The world will descend on Dakar from October 31 to November 13, 2026. During these two weeks, Audrey and her fellow leaders will work to ensure that the first African Olympics leaves a permanent blueprint for inclusivity and health.
Spotlight: Smashing Stigma in Kilifi
​What sets Audrey apart is her work far away from the bright lights of the Olympic Village. A high-level table tennis player and ITTF Level 2 coach, she is the founder of aTTain Table Tennis in Kilifi.
This unique initiative uses the “high-speed chess” nature of table tennis as a therapeutic intervention for Kenyans living with Parkinson’s disease. By focusing on the sport’s ability to improve motor skills and hand-eye coordination, Audrey is providing affordable alternative therapy and, more importantly, a safe space to combat the social stigma often associated with neurological conditions.
As Audrey prepares to fly the Kenyan flag in Senegal, she carries with her the hope of the Kilifi community, proving that leadership isn’t about the title you hold, but the lives you change.
This is a platform to show how sport can be used to build confidence, promote inclusion, and create real change,” — Audrey Oronda