The IOC Refugee Olympic Team, including athletes, coaches and operational staff, have all arrived in France and gathered in the historic town of Bayeux, Normandy, for a pre-Games welcome event. The team were jointly hosted by the towns of Bayeux and Caen.
The event was an opportunity for the athletes to meet for the first time and create a sense of unity amongst the team. The Refugee Olympic Team is made up of 37 athletes from different backgrounds, living in 15 countries and competing in 12 different sports.
With its rich history, strong understanding of the impact of war, and affinity with the plight of refugees, Bayeux was the perfect host to bring the team together ahead of the Olympic Games.
While in Bayeux, the athletes had access to top-level training facilities to continue their preparation, and also took part in a number of team-building activities. The team went on a bike ride to the symbolic beach of Arromanches-les-Bains, one of the beaches where the D-Day landings took place. They were also welcomed by the Mayor of Bayeux in the historic town centre, outside the famous cathedral.
Masomah Ali Zada, Chef de Mission for the Refugee Olympic Team, said: “We are so pleased to have finally arrived in France, as a team, to prepare for the Olympic Games. The town of Bayeux has welcomed us with open arms and it is the perfect setting for us to connect, and build team spirit and unity.
“As a team, we are a very diverse group – with many different cultures, languages and stories – but here you can see that we are really a united team and we are all connected. We aim to carry this spirit and this togetherness with us to Paris, where we will introduce this unique team to the world at the Opening Ceremony.”
Patrick Gomont, the Mayor of Bayeux, President of Bayeux Intercom and Vice-President of the Normandy Region, said: “With just a few days to go before the official launch of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, we are delighted to host the Refugee Olympic Team. For these athletes, who cannot compete under their own country’s flag, and who are meeting each other for the first time here in Bayeux, we hope to offer them the best possible conditions to begin their preparation and build team spirit. I hope that Bayeux and our region, which embody the values of peace and freedom, will give them the support and encouragement they deserve, and help them win several medals.”
The Team will now travel to Paris and stay at the Olympic Village. Some athletes will be given the opportunity to return to their host countries or a training camp of their choice to ensure optimal preparation for the Olympic Games.
Appearing for the third consecutive Olympic Games, the Refugee Olympic Team Paris 2024 is the largest yet, reflecting the growing number of refugees globally. In Paris, the Team will represent more than 100 million displaced people globally.
The Refugee Olympic Team and the Refugee Athlete Support Programme, both managed by the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), allow elite level athletes who would otherwise not have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage, the Olympic Games.
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