Refugee Olympic Team Shines as Symbol of Inclusion and Hope
Paris, France – The Refugee Olympic Team stole the show at the Refugee House in Paris on Sunday, July 28, as they celebrated their growth and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Formed in 2016, the team has made history by becoming the first squad of athletes to compete under the Refugee banner at an Olympiad. Eight years later, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is calling for greater integration and inclusivity, highlighting the importance of promoting good values worldwide.
“The Olympic Games are an important opportunity to push for some good values to become more accepted worldwide, and that’s also the spirit of the Refugee Olympic Team,” said the UNHCR. “It’s a symbol of inclusion, of equality, of achievement for a large community around the world of refugees and displaced people who are often subjected to discrimination, pushback, and exclusion.”
According to the UNHCR’s “Global Trends” report for 2023, the cumulative number of people who have been forced to flee their homes has risen to 120 million, six million more than the previous year. Despite these daunting statistics, the Refugee Olympic team has sparked hope in many, allowing athletes to recover lost dreams and pursue new ones.
One such athlete is South Sudanese Perina Lokure Nakang, who found refuge in Kenya and discovered a passion for running. “The first time I ran, I ran 14km, and my body accepted it. I told myself if I continue running, it’s going to change my life,” she said. “And that’s when I started to train, and I now enjoy athletics.”
Since its inception, the Refugee Olympic team has grown from just 10 athletes at the Rio Olympics to 37 sportspeople today. This remarkable progress is a testament to the collaboration between the International Olympic Committee and the UNHCR.
As the team continues to inspire and motivate, it serves as a powerful symbol of hope and inclusivity, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility for redemption and new beginnings.
[Image: Refugee Olympic Team logo or a photo of Perina Lokure Nakang]
