The Refugee Olympics Team

The Rio Olympics has defiled a lot to open to the bewilderment of the world. The forces of Zika, economic recession and "democratic coup" that saw the ousting of the former president could not keep the Olympics from opening with fanfare on Friday 5th August, 2016.

While the world still celebrate Brazil and Rio, a new history has been made. For the time in the history of modern Olympics would there be "stateless" participants. Hitherto, all participants represent a State (country) and only through a country can an athlete dream of participating in the Olympics. But Rio Olympics has shown that the world however is not insensitive to contemporary key events. 

The surge of wars and hostilities has created a situation that has baffled the world, inciting some moral and religious leaders to speak out. It is the refugee conundrum that sends shivers through the spines of humanitarian calls, and Olympics has answered. It has given opportunity to athletes whose dreams could have been shattered as the wars and hostilities in their homelands have to a great extent shattered  their natural habitat and ancestral heritages. Olympics has given them the platform as the "Refugee Team."

The lucky ten represent all those suffering from wars, hostilities and terrorism, be they internally displaced persons or refugees seeking refugee in lands unknown. The ten represent Syria, South Sudan, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo specifically for these countries' inability to participate in Rio 2016. But they hold the flag for the wider persecuted millions. These ten are: Yusra Mardini an 18 year old Syrian swimmer that helped save drowning refugees last year; Rami Anis of Syria, a swimmer too; South Sudanese runners Yiech Pur Biel, Paulo Amotun Lokoro, Anjelina Nadai Lohalith, James Nyang Chiengjiek and Rose Nathike Lokonyen (the team's flag bearer); judokas Yolande Bukasa Mabika and Popole Misenga from DRC; and marathon runner Yonas Kinde of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, world leaders have spoken highly of the team, commending them for their courage and wishing them luck. 

The Holy See on Friday night released a letter addressed specifically to the 10-person team. The Pope's letter as translated into English Language read thus:

Dear brothers and sisters Rami Anis, Yiech Pur Biel, James Nyang Chiengjiek, Yonas Kinde, Anjelina Nada Lohalith, Rose Nathike Lokonyen, Paulo Amotun Lokoro, Yusra Mardini, Popole Misenga and Yolande Bukasa Mabika:

 I have learned about your team and read some of your interviews so that I could get closer to your lives and your aspirations.

I extend my greetings and wish you success at the Olympic Games in Rio — that your courage and strength find expression through the Olympic Games and serve as a cry for peace and solidarity.

Your experience serves as testimony and benefits us all. I pray for you and ask that you, please, do the same for me. God bless you.

In brotherhood,

Francis

The President of United States also sent a shout out to the team, adding that their olympics prospects are inspirations to the world. 

"Tonight, the first-ever #TeamRefugees will also stand before the world and prove that you can succeed no matter where you're from.