The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled the IOC Refugee Olympic Team for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, comprising 36 athletes from 11 countries hosted by 15 National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
These athletes, representing more than 100 million displaced people globally, will compete across 12 sports, showcasing the resilience and excellence of refugees on a global stage.
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed support for the team, highlighting their role in sending a message of hope and unity to millions worldwide. The selection process, approved by the IOC Executive Board, prioritized sporting performance, refugee status verified by UNHCR, gender balance, and representation of diverse countries.
For the first time, the Refugee Olympic Team will compete under its emblem, symbolizing unity and the shared journey of refugees worldwide. This emblem serves as a unifying symbol, empowering athletes to stand for the population of more than 100 million people who share similar experiences.
The IOC’s commitment to supporting refugees aligns with Olympic Agenda 2020+5, with the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) playing a crucial role in managing the team and promoting access to safe sport for displaced populations.
Since its inception, the ORF has facilitated sports access for nearly 400,000 young people and trained over 1,600 coaches worldwide.
