There is a moment in every athlete’s journey where talent meets opportunity. At DBA Africa, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that the second half of that equation opportunity is never left to chance.

We are incredibly humbled and proud to announce that DBA Africa has been nominated for the African Sports Academy of the Year at the 2026 Africa Golden Awards. While the nomination itself is a milestone, the true "proof" of our work isn't found in a trophy cabinet, it’s found in the numbers, the scholarships, and the lives changed across our regional academies.

More Than Just Training: The Power of Impact by Numbers

When we talk about being an "Academy of the Year," we aren’t just talking about coaching drills. We are talking about a systemic shift in how African talent reaches the world stage. Our impact across Kenya and Uganda in the last year alone tells the story:

• 250+ Active Athletes: From the high-altitude tracks of Iten to the rugby pitches of Kakamega and the coastal heat of Diani, our academies are buzzing with the next generation of stars.

• 12+ Global and Local Scholarships: We’ve bridged the gap between the pitch and the classroom, securing life-changing education for our athletes at top institutions like Bryanston and Kingsley in the UK, and Laiser Hill in Kenya.

• 4,000+ Nutritious Meals Provided: Peak performance starts with fuel. Through our international partnerships, we ensure our young athletes start their day ready to compete.

• 50+ Jobs Created: By investing in local coaches, administrators, and event managers, we aren’t just developing athletes, we’re strengthening the entire sports industry in East Africa.

The Athletics Race Fund (ARF): Leveling the Playing Field

Central to this nomination is the success of the Athletics Race Fund. We realized early on that a KES 500 entry fee was often the only thing standing between a world-class runner and a scout's radar.

Through initiatives like The Great Leveller, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of shillings to cover transport, accommodation, and registration for athletes who otherwise would have remained invisible.

A Vision for 2026 and Beyond

Being recognized by the Africa Golden Awards signals that the world is finally seeing what we’ve known all along: African sports academies are the new frontier for global excellence.

This nomination belongs to the coaches who wake up at 5:00 AM, the parents who trust us with their children’s futures, and the corporate partners who believe that investing in a runner is an investment in a community.

The journey from the grassroots to the gold medal is long, but as this nomination proves, we are exactly where we need to be.

Join the Movement

Our work is far from finished. Whether you are a corporate partner looking for impactful CSR opportunities or a supporter who wants to see the next Amady Diallo or Frida reach their potential, there is a seat for you at our table.

• Vote for DBA Africa at the Africa Golden Awards

• Read our Full 2025 Impact Report

• Support the Athletics Race Fund