The Olympic Refuge Foundation held a press conference on Monday in Lausanne, Switzerland, to reflect on its decade-long history and discuss the future of its initiatives. The event was attended by key figures such as International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, and Olympian Yusra Mardini, who shared their perspectives on the foundation’s achievements and ongoing mission.
President Thomas Bach opened the press conference by recalling the origins of the Refugee Olympic Team, which made its debut at the Rio 2016 Games. “At that time, we were witnessing a global refugee crisis with more than 60 million people displaced. I thought, if there are so many refugees, there must be athletes among them dreaming of the Olympic Games. That’s when the idea of the Refugee Olympic Team was born.”
Bach highlighted the symbolic importance of the team because “when the Refugee Olympic Team entered the stadium in Rio, the entire crowd stood up to applaud. It was a moment that transcended medals: it was about hope and humanity.”
The role of sport in healing and inclusion
Filippo Grandi, vice president of the Olympic Refugee Foundation and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, underscored the transformative power of sport for displaced communities. “Sport is not just competition; it is a tool for healing and inclusion. In refugee camps, I have seen children playing soccer amid the destruction. It gives them hope and a sense of normalcy.”
Grandi also praised the grassroots initiatives of the Olympic Refugee Foundation, which have reached more than one million young refugees and migrants worldwide. “These programs bring refugees and host communities together, fostering coexistence and mutual understanding.”
“Being a refugee is not a limitation, it is resilience”
Yusra Mardini, a Syrian swimmer and member of the inaugural Olympic Refugee Team, shared her personal experience. “Being part of the Olympic Refugee Team changed my life. It taught me that being a refugee is not a limitation, it is a story of resilience. As I entered the stadium in Rio, I realized that I was representing hope for millions of refugees.”
Mardini also spoke about her advocacy work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and the creation of her own foundation. “Through education and sport, we can change lives. I have seen this firsthand in refugee camps, where children dream of opportunities to play and learn.”
Expanding the foundation’s reach
President Bach described the achievements of the Olympic Refugee Foundation over the past decade, including the training of more than 2,800 coaches and the allocation of nearly $25 million to support refugee athletes and sports programs. “We have created a sustainable model to provide safe sporting opportunities, not only for elite athletes, but also for refugees in camps and migration centers around the world.”
Looking ahead, Bach reaffirmed the IOC’s commitment to the mission of the Olympic Refuge Foundation. “This is not a one-off initiative. It is a long-term program to support refugees and migrants, giving them hope and opportunities through sport,” he concluded.
The press conference ended with a call for continued international support. Grandi highlighted the growing need for sustainable solutions in the face of increasing displacement. “In a world of constant crises, sport remains a powerful catalyst for inclusion and resilience. The Olympic Refuge Foundation is a model of how we can address these challenges together.”
