South Sudan Athletics: A Movement on the Rise

When Loliha stepped onto the podium at the African Games, it was more than a personal triumph — it was a signal to the continent that South Sudan's athletes are ready to compete. That moment crystallised what many of us at the South Sudan Athletics Federation (SSAF) have been working toward: a credible, competitive athletics programme built from the ground up.

The journey has not been straightforward. South Sudan faces real infrastructure challenges — limited tracks, scarce equipment, and funding gaps that would discourage less committed administrators. But the talent is undeniable, and the appetite for sport among young South Sudanese is extraordinary.

Since 2023, SSAF has rolled out Kids' Athletics programs in Wau, Aweil, Torit, and Rumbek. These are not token gestures. They are structured programmes designed to introduce children to the fundamentals of athletics — running, jumping, throwing — in safe, supervised environments. The response from communities has been overwhelming.

By 2026, we aim to extend these programmes to Warrap and Yambio, ensuring that no region is left behind. The goal is simple: every child in South Sudan should have access to athletics, regardless of where they live or what resources their community has.

The road ahead requires sustained investment, committed partners, and continued advocacy. But the foundation is being laid. South Sudan athletics is rising — and the world is beginning to notice.