In a poignant prelude to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Refugee Olympic Team has convened in Bayeux, Normandy, after a warm welcome jointly hosted by Bayeux and Caen.
The team, comprising 37 athletes from diverse backgrounds residing in 15 countries and competing across 12 sports, gathered in Bayeux for a unifying pre-Games event.
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Amid Bayeux’s historic backdrop and symbolic resonance with refugee experiences, the athletes came together for the first time, fostering a spirit of unity essential for their Olympic campaign.
The town provided top-tier training facilities and organized team-building activities, including a symbolic bike ride to Arromanches-les-Bains, a site significant for its connection to the D-Day landings.
Masomah Ali Zada, Chef de Mission for the Refugee Olympic Team, expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Bayeux, emphasizing the team’s diversity and shared sense of purpose as they prepare to make their mark at Paris 2024.
The Mayor of Bayeux, Patrick Gomont, underscored the town’s commitment to supporting the athletes, highlighting Bayeux’s alignment with values of peace and freedom.
Following their stay in Bayeux, the team will transition to the Olympic Village in Paris, where they will finalize their preparations for the Games.
Some athletes will have the opportunity to return to their host countries or chosen training camps to optimize their readiness.
The participation of the Refugee Olympic Team in Paris 2024 marks their third consecutive appearance and their largest contingent yet, symbolizing solidarity with over 100 million displaced individuals globally.
Managed under the Olympic Refuge Foundation, the team exemplifies the Olympic spirit by providing elite athletes a platform to compete on the world stage despite their refugee status.
