The International Olympic Committee is taking strong action to bring attention to the plight of the world’s refugees. With more than 10 million displaced in Syria alone, there are almost 100 million displaced around the world, and that number is rising fast. This population is not just poor farmers, but some of the brightest minds in their trades. Doctors, authors and yes, athletes are just some of the titles these people had before war, famine, economic instability and political unrest, which tend to be some of the most common reasons people are forced out of their home and forced to seek refuge in another country. One powerful quote from Warsan Shire, a refugee who settled in the United Kingdom, can help you understand it all. "No one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land."
To show just how much attention this will receive, 219 million viewers tuned into the 2012 London Olympics. Since these athletes all hail from different nations, they will be entering the Olympic Stadium in Rio De Jinero under the Olympic flag, due to their need of assistance by the global community. Even though the Olympics will be one of the most watched events on TV, refugees are often forgotten in the most popular media outlets, especially in the U.S. Sadly, bad news sells, so when tragedy strikes and refugees drown in a boat, or are victims of a terrorist attack, you will see pictures of their situation flash across your TV screen. One event this year that brought tears to eyes around the globe was when the body of a toddler refugee washed ashore in the Mediterranean Sea. It should not take tragedies like this to open borders and open hearts to the millions fleeing prosecution or death.
Who will be on the first Refugee Team at the 2016 Olympics? Ten athletes, six males and four females, participating in a variety of events. You will be able to watch them compete in judo, swimming and long-distance running. These refugees are from multiple countries, including Syria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya. All of these countries are enduring intense shifts in political regimes and long lasting wars, sending millions out of their borders fleeing for their lives. Luckily, the 10 refugees have been sponsored by host nations to train with their teams as well as take care of all logistics like travel costs and equipment.
So, while you are cheering on your country during this summer’s Olympics, understand that there are millions wishing they could enjoy individual securities like shelter, food and clean water.
Good luck to the refugee athletes.
