Olympic Refugee Team

A first-ever Olympic refugee team has been welcomed by United Nations secretarygeneral Ban Ki-moon, to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games and receive the Olympic Cup Award on behalf of the UN. The Olympic Games begin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August. “For the first time in history, talented athletes who have been forced to flee their homes will get a chance to chase gold,” said Ban Ki-moon, who was quoted in media releases about the break-through for the world’s growing refugee population. “Their fellow refugees will see outstanding contenders who give hope to all. And the world will see refugees the way they deserve to be seen: as talented, strong and inspiring people.” His statement continued: “Refugees want homes, not tents. They want a flag that waves for their rights. And they deserve a world that gives them more than assistance; they deserve a world that is at peace. Let us all be on the team of refugees until there is no need for a refugee team at all.” —from Newsline