Refugee Olympic Team Sets Sights on Paris Glory and Global Awareness

The Refugee Olympic team aims to draw global attention to the plight of millions of displaced people during the Paris Games. With 37 athletes from multiple countries, this is the largest refugee team assembled to date. They seek not only awareness but also to win medals, demonstrating resilience and hope.

The Refugee Olympic team will amplify the voices of millions of displaced individuals during the Paris Games, striving for medals while raising awareness, flag bearers announced on Tuesday.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has gathered its largest refugee team yet for the 2024 Games, featuring 37 athletes from countries such as Syria, Sudan, and Cameroon competing across 12 sports. This marks the third formation of such a team for the Summer Olympics.

'Just for our name 'refugee Olympic team' to be called out, refugees all around the world will acknowledge us,' said Cameroon-born boxer Cindy Ngamba, based in Britain. 'We are seen as athletes, as fighters, hungry athletes who are part of a family.' Ngamba emphasized the pride and drive of the team, highlighting their emblem and collective spirit.

The IOC debuted its first refugee team at the Rio 2016 Games, growing significantly in size by the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. For co-flagbearer Yahya Al Ghotany, originally from war-torn Syria and now a taekwondo competitor, the team symbolizes hope and resilience for over 100 million displaced people worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)