The IOC Refugee Olympic Team, which includes athletes, coaches and operational staff, has arrived in France and gathered in the historic town of Bayeux, Normandy, for a pre-Games welcome event.
The event was an opportunity for the athletes to meet for the first time and create a sense of unity among the team. The Refugee Olympic Team is made up of 37 athletes from diverse backgrounds, living in 15 countries and competing in 12 different sports.
With its rich history, deep understanding of the impact of war and affinity with the plight of refugees, Bayeux was the perfect host to bring the team together before the Olympic Games.
During their stay in Bayeux, the athletes had access to high-level training facilities to continue their preparation, and also participated in various team-building activities. The team took a bike ride to the symbolic beach of Arromanches-les-Bains, one of the beaches where the D-Day landings took place. They were also welcomed by the Mayor of Bayeux in the historic center of the city, in front of its famous cathedral.
“We are a very diverse group – with many different cultures, languages and histories”
Masomah Ali Zada, Chef de Mission of the Refugee Olympic Team, stated, “We are very happy to have finally arrived in France, as a team, to prepare for the Olympic Games. The city of Bayeux has welcomed us with open arms, and it is the perfect setting for us to connect and foster team spirit and unity. As a team we are a very diverse group – with many different cultures, languages and histories – but here you can see that we are truly a united team and that we are all connected. We want to take this spirit and this togetherness with us to Paris, where we will present this unique team to the world at the Opening Ceremony.”
The Team will travel to Paris these days and stay at the Olympic Village, although some athletes will have the opportunity to return to their host countries or to a training camp of their choice to ensure optimal preparation for the Olympic Games.
MORE REFUGEE OLYMPIANS THAN EVER
The Paris 2024 Refugee Olympic Team, which will participate in the Olympic Games for the third consecutive time, is the largest to date, reflecting the growing number of refugees around the world. In Paris, the Team will represent more than 100 million displaced people worldwide.
The Refugee Olympic Team and the Refugee Athlete Support Program, both managed by the Olympic Refugee Foundation (ORF), make it possible for elite athletes who would otherwise not have the opportunity to compete on the world’s greatest sporting stage, the Olympic Games.
