Refugee Olympic team steals the show
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The Refugee Olympic Team will participate in the Rio Games
for the first time in the Games’ history.
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The Rio 2016 Olympics officially kicked off with a magnificent
opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janiero on Saturday.
A total of 206 nations displayed their strength for the games. While
some nations received some huge cheers, one new entity stole the show
and made the moment special.
When Zimbabwe were the last country to enter the Athletes Parade, the
name of the Refugee Olympic Team entered and the Maracana stadium
exploded in loud cheers. The Refugee Olympic Team, competing in the
Olympics for the first time, also witnessed a standing ovation which
became the symbol of the Olympic Opening Ceremony. The Refugee Olympic
Team are participating as Independent Olympic athletes. It was created
to show solidarity with the world’s refugees. The team consists of 10
participants.
The key players include 18-year-old swimmer Yusra Mardini, who moved
from Syria to Germany and will participate in the 200m freestyle
swimming event. Refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo and other
places that have been affected by humanitarian crises are part of the
team. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach also praised
the Refugee Olympic Team. Speaking in the Opening Ceremony, Bach said,
“The Refugee Athletes are sending a hope to the millions of refugees.
Having to leave home because of hunger, violence and just because you
are different. Because of your human spirit, you are making a great
cause to humanity. In this Olympic world, we welcome you as an
enrichment to our diversity.”
Even the United Nations Refugee Agency (@Refugees) official Twitter
handle also highlighted the achievement of the Refugee Olympic Team
- NDTV
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