The refugee team honed their skills at a preparatory camp in the historic town of Bayeux, Normandy, before making their way to Paris. Many of them expressed immense pride in representing over 100 million refugees worldwide. “Sharing similar backgrounds and experiences has prepared me for the rigors of the Paris 2024 Olympics,” said athletics competitor Farida Abaroge. Boxer Cindy Ngamba echoed the sentiment, adding, “The welcoming atmosphere has been incredible.”
The refugee team participating in the Paris Games is the largest delegation since the program’s inception in 2016. Competing under a flag featuring a heart surrounded by arrows—symbolizing refugees finding their way back—the team marks a departure from previous appearances under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) flag.
The Refugee Olympic Team made its debut at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, fielding a team of 10 athletes. This number grew to 29 for the Tokyo Games four years later. Given the diverse backgrounds of its members, the team convened in Bayeux for a four-day orientation to foster unity and camaraderie before the competitions commenced.
The Olympic Committee provided the team with top-tier training facilities in Bayeux to prepare for the competition. The athletes had access to a swimming pool, badminton court, martial arts hall, and other world-class amenities. Their training will continue at the Olympic Village in Paris.
The 2024 Refugee Olympic Team comprises 37 athletes hailing from 15 countries who will compete across 12 sports. Led by Masoumeh Alizadeh, the mission aims to provide a platform for refugees on the global stage. “Supporting refugees at every level, including the Olympics, is crucial,” Alizadeh emphasized. “This team is a testament to our commitment to their aspirations.”
