The Refugee Olympic Team is gearing up to make history at the Paris 2024 Games, proudly representing 37 athletes across 12 sports. This marks the largest refugee contingent ever assembled by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Welcomed during the IOC's 142nd session in Paris, the team aims not only to compete but also to shine a spotlight on millions of displaced individuals worldwide. \"Just for our name 'Refugee Olympic Team' to be called out, refugees all around the world will acknowledge us,\" said Cindy Ngamba, a Cameroon-born boxer based in the United Kingdom. She emphasized the team's unity and pride, stating, \"We are seen as a team, we are seen as athletes, as fighters, hungry athletes who are part of a family. We are not afraid, not ashamed and are proud to be refugees.\"
Ngamba reflected on the evolution of the team, highlighting its growth from competing individually in the 2016 Rio Games with just 10 athletes to now being a united family on the global stage. \"It shows we are not just refugees. We are athletes. We can achieve the same thing, win the same thing, have the same drive, the same hunger and the same energy,\" she added.
Co-flagbearer Yahya Al Ghotany, a taekwondo competitor, shared his personal journey and the message of hope the team embodies. Having taken up the sport in a Jordanian refugee camp, Al Ghotany expressed pride in representing over 100 million displaced people. \"Representing more than 100 million displaced people across the globe. It is very important because it sends a message of hope. There is always hope in passion,\" he stated.
As the Paris Games kick off, the Refugee Olympic Team is not only competing for medals but also striving to inspire and bring attention to the ongoing challenges faced by refugees around the world.
Reference(s):
Refugee team members proud of identities, but also have Olympic dreams
cgtn.com
