Photo Credit: ABC News
Ten athletes. 4 women; 6 men. The 2016 Summer Olympic Games, in Brazil have begun, and for the first time ever there will actually be a refugee team represented.
“These refugees have no home, no team, no flag, no national anthem,” IOC president Thomas Bach said. “We will offer them a home in the Olympic Village.” – ABC News
The Refugee Olympic Team is a group of young people that have endured war and all the loss that comes with it. They are:
- Yusra Mardini and Rami Anis – Swimmers, Syria
- Popole Misenga and Yolande Bukasa Mabika – Judoka, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Yonas Kinde – Marathoner, Ethiopia
- James Nyang Chiengjiek, Yiech Pur Biel, Paulo Amotun Lokoro, Rose Nathike Lokonyen, and Angelina Nada Lohalith – Runners, South Sudan
To get to know them better, read Christopher Zumski Finke‘s fascinating article on how they survived their adversity and all came together (including video of the athletes themselves telling their stories). Some of the stories are chilling.
We all have our favorite teams and athletes, and the Refugee Olympic Team is now on my short list. #Rio2016 – a hashtag full of hope satisfied and dreams fulfilled.
First Ever Refugee Team to Compete at the Olympics – Christopher Zumski Finke
Photo Credit: Uplift Connect