The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently revealed its largest refugee team ever to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, less than two months away. This announcement brought immense joy to the 36 athletes from 11 different countries, representing a variety of sports including athletics, badminton, boxing, canoeing, cycling, judo, breaking, shooting, swimming, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling.

Comprised of individuals from several African nations, as well as Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Cuba, this diverse team serves as a powerful symbol of hope for the more than 100 million individuals worldwide who have been displaced due to various crises. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized the emotional significance of their participation, aiming to raise global awareness of the refugee crisis through their athletic endeavors.

Each of the 36 athletes holds refugee status in their respective host countries, selected based on criteria such as sporting achievements, country of origin, and gender balance. The team comprises 23 men and 13 women from Africa, the Americas, and Asia, including both first-time Olympians and those who previously competed for their home countries before becoming refugees.

In Paris, the IOC Refugee Olympic Team will compete under its own emblem, featuring a heart at its core, rather than the Olympic flag. Referred to as EOR (Equipe Olympique des Refugies) from its French name, the team’s presence underscores the IOC’s commitment to enabling athletes to continue their sporting pursuits despite displacement.

Initially established for the 2016 Rio Olympics with 10 athletes, the refugee team has grown significantly, with 29 athletes competing in Tokyo three years ago. Now, with 36 athletes representing hope, resilience, and the universal spirit of sport, the Refugee Olympic Team stands poised to inspire audiences worldwide at the Paris Games.