Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu was orphaned on the age of 9 in South Sudan, setting him on a journey that may take him from his wartorn nation to hunt asylum in Geneva, Switzerland. Swiss sportswear model On is sponsoring the long-distance runner, who has taken first place at competitions in Stockholm and Geneva.
On tells Lobalu’s story in a brand new brief documentary launched on World Refugee Day (June 23). “The Proper to Race” follows Lobalu’s efforts to signify Switzerland within the World Athletics Championship. He started operating on the age of 15 whereas dwelling in Kenya and first got here to Switzerland as a part of the Athlete Refugee Group.
Nevertheless, Lobalu is now excluded from official refugee groups however should await as much as 10 years to turn into a Swiss citizen.
“The Proper to Race is a charming story of unwavering grit and charisma that personifies the enduring human spirit,” On world head of sports activities advertising and The Proper to Race govt producer Feliciano Robayna mentioned in a press release. “Regardless of all of the setbacks, [Lobalu] has grown to turn into certainly one of at present’s most revered opponents on the world stage. His story will not be solely about competing and making it to the highest, but additionally about illustration and belonging.”
The 30-minute movie was written and directed by Richard Bullock by means of Hungry Man Productions. Bullock additionally wrote and directed two different brief movies for the model, RUN: The Athlete Refugee Group Story and Black Ice.
“The Proper to Race is basically a narrative concerning the trials and tribulations of a refugee athlete,” Bullock mentioned in a press release. “It’s additionally a touching story of how a rising friendship can persevere and, as a united entrance, by no means surrender the combat. We had been additionally glad to seize the innermost ideas and emotions of those that signify World Athletics as a compelling juxtaposition on how the game’s authority views and responds to the plight of Dominic, as a refugee, attempting to assert his identification not simply as an athlete however as a human.”
The documentary was broadcast to 53 international locations on Eurosport 1. It’ll even be out there on Discovery+ streaming providers all through Europe and proven on the World Athletics Championships in August.
