"Stateless" warriors at the Olympics
On the field of the Paris Olympics, there will be a special delegation. They come from all over the world, but no country can represent; Once displaced, they are now dreaming back. This is the refugee delegation that participated in the Olympic Games.
The delegation, composed of 36 refugee athletes from 11 countries and regions, will compete in 12 Olympic sports. The presence of this delegation not only conveys hope, but also demonstrates the tenacious spirit of refugees and changes the stereotype of refugees.
1 The birth and development of the refugee delegation
At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, a refugee delegation was present for the first time. There were 10 refugee athletes competing at the time, and their stories shook the world. For the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the size of the refugee delegation was expanded to 29 members. Today, that number has grown to 36, which shows that the international community is paying more and more attention to the rights and interests of refugees.
The refugee delegation was created to show the world that everyone, regardless of status, should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. It conveys the essence of the Olympic spirit – friendship, respect and fair play.
2 The IOC strongly supports refugee athletes
The IOC provides significant funding and support to refugee athletes. In addition to financial sponsorship, they are also provided with training facilities, coaching and living support. This ensures that refugee athletes can fully dedicate themselves to their preparation.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: "We have a responsibility to help those who have been forced to leave their homes regain their dignity and hope. Through sports, they can reintegrate into society and lead a positive life. ＂
3 The hardships and tenacity of refugee athletes
Most of the athletes who joined the refugee delegation had experienced war, poverty or other trauma. They had to leave their homes and start over in a foreign land.
Syrian swimmer Kamala Ali, who had been adrift at sea for 18 hours, survived and lived on a small island for seven months. Now, she will represent the refugee delegation in swimming competitions and inspire the world with her story.
Another refugee athlete is Aka Aka, a long-distance runner from Uganda. Ten years ago, he had to flee his home to escape tribal conflict. Now, he will wear the jersey of the refugee delegation and race to achieve his dream.
4 Fascinating personal stories of members of the refugee delegation
Every refugee athlete is embodying perseverance and vitality. Their stories are shocking and show the brilliance of humanity.
A refugee archer from Iran was seriously injured when he was shot while fleeing. Despite the trauma, she did not give up on her dream and eventually qualified for the Olympics.
A refugee swimmer whose hometown was ravaged by war forced him and his family to flee by boat and struggled to reach safety. Now, he will use his strength to compete in the ring.
5 Refugee athletes' achievements in sports
Despite the difficult circumstances, the refugee athletes never gave up on pursuing their dreams. They have already achieved impressive results in the last two Olympic Games.
At Rio 2016, refugee swimmers won a medal; At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, refugee sprinters broke world records. These achievements will undoubtedly inspire more refugee athletes to pursue their dreams.
6 The Olympic spirit conveyed by the refugee delegation
The presence of the refugee delegation is not only a testament to the resilience of refugees, but also to the true spirit of the Olympic Movement – friendship, respect and the pursuit of excellence.
Through sports, refugees have regained their self-confidence and found a new purpose in life. They have proved to the world that no matter who they are, they can achieve their dreams with hard work.
The Paris Olympics will be a stage for the refugee delegation to shine again. This delegation of 36 "stateless" warriors will continue to change the world's stereotypes about refugees with their outstanding performance.
Perhaps, among these athletes, the next "Olympic hero" will be born. His story will inspire more people in difficult circumstances to regain hope and hold on to their dreams. Let's wait and see what this extraordinary moment will be.