Refugee Olympic Team isn’t about medals
Flood of worldwide support energizes unlikely Olympians for historic journey in Rio
They come from the places that are most ravaged by war and violence in the world, but have found peace and hope in sports.
In the coming two weeks, the 10member Refugee Olympic Team will need all the love and support they can get as they compete in swimming, judo and track and field at the Rio Olympics, while showcasing the fighting spirit and resilience they symbolize for the 60 million refugees around the world.
Thanks to an online social media campaign led by UNICEF, supporters can get to know them and send best wishes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat at @TeamRefugees.
“This is a historic moment and these athletes are an inspiration to the world, a testament to the challenges and barriers we can overcome through hard work, dedication and support of a global community,” said UNICEF partnerships specialist David Ponet.
It is the first time in the Games’ 120-year history that a team of refugees is competing.
The team include two Syrian swimmers, two judokas from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a marathoner from Ethiopia and five middle-distance runners from South Sudan.
Rami Anis, 25, fled Syria for Turkey with two jackets, two T-shirts and two pairs of pants before riding an “inflatable dinghy” to the Greek island of Samos and later reaching Belgium.
“With the energy I have, I am sure I can achieve the best results,” the100metre men’s butterfly swimmer said in an interview with the United Nations Refugee Agency.
“It will be a great feeling to be part of the Olympics.”
Popole Misenga was just 9 when he fled fighting in the Congo.
Separated from his family, he was rescued after eight days in the forest and taken to the capital, Kinshasa.
It was at a centre for displaced children that he discovered judo.
“Judo helped me by giving me serenity, discipline, commitment — everything,” said the 24-year-old middleweight judoka, who defected to Brazil in 2013 during the world championships.
“I want to be part of the Refugee Olympic Team to keep dreaming, to give hope to all refugees and take sadness out of them.”
Yiech Pur Biel fled South Sudan in 2005 and ended up on his own in a refugee camp in Kenya, where he started running.
“Most of us face a lot of challenges,” said the 21-year-old 800-metre run- ner.
“In the refugee camp, we have no facilities. Even shoes we don’t have. There is no gym. Even the weather does not favour training because from morning up to the evening it is so hot and sunny.”
His goal at the Olympics is to help become an ambassador for refugees everywhere.
“I can show to my fellow refugees that they have a chance and a hope in life. Through education, but also in running, you can change the world,” he said in a profile on the United Nations Refugee Agency website.
Lauren Rodman, of the Unit9/Purpose production team that created a 60-second film in support of the athletes, was inspired by their stories.
“By showing the world what this historic moment means to an Olympic hopeful who happens to also be refugee, we are telling the most emotionally resonant story that will inspire the rest of the world to support the team,” Rodman said.