IOC Refugee Olympic Team Paris 2024 Honored with Inaugural Spotlight Award by Human Rights First
The IOC Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024 has been awarded the inaugural Spotlight Award by Human Rights First, recognizing their commitment to human rights and advocacy for refugees. Yiech Pur Biel accepted the award, highlighting the team’s dual mission of supporting refugee athletes and raising awareness about displaced populations. The Olympic Refuge Foundation continues to aid nearly half a million displaced youth, cementing the importance of sport in fostering belonging and well-being. Biel concludes with a call for ongoing support for refugee athletes as symbols of hope.
The IOC Refugee Olympic Team for the Paris 2024 Olympics has been honored with the inaugural Spotlight Award by Human Rights First. The award was presented at a ceremony in New York City, highlighting the team’s efforts in advocating for the rights of refugees and promoting marginalised voices. The Refugee Olympic Team consists of 37 athletes supported by 15 National Olympic Committees, who will compete across 12 different sports during the upcoming Olympic Games. Yiech Pur Biel, an Olympic athlete and member of the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) Board, accepted the award on behalf of the team. He emphasized the mission of the team, which is to empower refugee athletes and shift perceptions about the approximately 120 million individuals who have been forced to flee their homes worldwide. Biel, who was part of the inaugural Refugee Olympic Team at the Rio 2016 Games, expressed pride in being part of this diverse group that unites under the Olympic flag, transcending cultural and linguistic differences while fostering solidarity through sport. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the ORF, which supports nearly half a million displaced young people every year, nurturing their mental health and helping them find community through sports. The IOC established the ORF to assist refugees and those affected by displacement, reinforcing the idea that access to sport is a fundamental human right. Biel concluded his remarks at the ceremony with a passionate appeal for ongoing support of refugee athletes and the significance of creating a sense of belonging through sports.
The IOC Refugee Olympic Team serves as a platform for showcasing the resilience and potential of refugees across the globe. Established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the team aims to provide visibility to the plight of refugees, fostering discussion and action regarding their rights. The ORF’s initiatives extend beyond the Olympics, addressing the crucial needs of young displaced individuals by integrating sports into their lives, which has been proven to enhance well-being and community belonging. The recognition by Human Rights First through the Spotlight Award signifies the importance of such advocacy and the impact of sports in uniting individuals despite their adversities.
In conclusion, the IOC Refugee Olympic Team receiving the inaugural Spotlight Award from Human Rights First underscores the vital role of sports in advocating for human rights and offering hope to refugees. By highlighting the achievements and stories of these athletes, the IOC and ORF are not only promoting sporting excellence but also challenging societal perceptions of refugees, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive world.
Original Source: olympics.com
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