The international refugee crisis has become so unfathomably massive that it’s all too easy to quantify in the millions, looking past the unique story of each individual.
Those teeming out of regions like South Sudan and Syria aren’t just numbers. They’re professionals, doctors, teachers, people just like any other, and among that number are athletes who’ve been training their whole lives.
Of course, escaping your home country amid unthinkable strife severely limits your ability to wear the flag on the international stage.
With that in mind, ten athletes who fled their countries of origin have been given the chance to form The Olympics‘ first ever refugee team, and they’ll compete at the ever-nearing Rio games.
In a release, the International Olympic Committee confirmed male and female athletes from Syria, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia will compete at the games under the Olympic Flag.
Repping athletics, marathon, swimming and judo, the contingent has been hosted for training in stabler nations such as Kenya, Germany, and Brazil.
Syrian swimmer Yusra Mardini and Congolese judoka Popole Misenga, among others, will now be able showcase their talents – and their lives’ work – on the international stage.
IOC President Thomas Bach said the team will “make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis.
It is also a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society.These refugee athletes will show the world that despite the unimaginable tragedies that they have faced, anyone can contribute to society through their talent, skills and strength of the human spirit.”
Not only will they be marching in the opening ceremony, the Olympics have also committed to supporting the athletes after the event is over.
The Games get a lot of stick for how they handle their political clout, but this is top-to-bottom goodness. Check out each member of your new favourite team right here.
