Eight years after the inception of the Refugee Olympic Team, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the largest team yet for the Paris 2024 Olympics. From an initial pool of 74 athletes, 36 have been selected to compete in the games commencing on July 26 in the French capital.
The athletes hail from 11 countries and are currently hosted by 15 National Olympic Committees, representing 12 sports disciplines. The Refugee Olympic Team stands as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience for over 100 million displaced people worldwide, highlighting the unifying power of sports beyond competition.
Among the selected athletes is Cindy Ngamba, making history as the first boxer on the Refugee Olympic Team. Another notable team member, Saeid Fazloula, learned of his selection while holding his son during a video call. Expressing his excitement, he stated, “It’s amazing to hear I am officially part of the Olympic refugee team.”
Masomah Ali Zada, a former refugee athlete who competed in Tokyo 2020 and now the leader of this year’s team, reflected on her journey. She shared that competing made her realize “that every dream is possible despite all of the challenges.”
The participation of the Refugee Olympic Team in Paris 2024 not only showcases the athletes’ determination and talent but also brings global attention to the plight of refugees, inspiring communities and fostering solidarity across nations.
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Largest Olympic refugee team will compete in Paris under new emblem
cgtn.com
