At the Paris 2024 Olympics, all eyes are on the Refugee Olympic Team—a remarkable assembly of 37 athletes from 11 countries competing across 12 different sports. These talented individuals, supported by 15 National Olympic Committees, stand as symbols of resilience and hope for over 100 million displaced people worldwide. Led by Chef de Mission Masomah Ali Zada, herself a former refugee athlete, the team’s presence is a powerful testament to the strength and potential of refugees.
The idea of a Refugee Olympic Team was born out of the global refugee crisis in 2015. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach announced its creation during the United Nations General Assembly meeting, leading to the team’s debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The initiative aimed to provide a platform for displaced athletes, ensuring they could compete at the highest level despite the immense challenges they faced. The team marched into the Rio Opening Ceremony under the Olympic Flag immediately before the host nation of Brazil, marking a historic moment.
The team for Paris 2024, competing under the acronym EOR (Équipe Olympique des Réfugiés), showcases the broad spectrum of talent and determination found among refugee athletes. These athletes have overcome significant adversities, and their journeys have been marked by resilience and perseverance. The majority of the team members are selectedthrough the Refugee Athlete Scholarship Programme, funded by Olympic Solidarity and managed by the Olympic Refugee Foundation. This program ensures they have the necessary support to train and compete at an elite level.
The significance of the Refugee Olympic Team extends beyond the sports arena. Their participation sends a powerful message of unity, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. It challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about refugees, showcasing their potential to excel and contribute positively to society.
The Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024 includes displaced athletes from Syria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Eritrea, Myanmar, Yemen, and Palestine. Each athlete’s presence highlights the global impact of displacement and underscores the shared resilience and determination of refugees worldwide.
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