They come from Syria, Ethiopia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo – but they represent refugees everywhere.
This Summer, something extraordinary is happening at the Olympic Games in Brazil. For the first time, a team of refugees will compete. Ten world-class athletes forced from their homes by conflict and persecution will go up against their fellow sports people from all over the world.
Check out some of the famous faces who have already declared for #TeamRefugee.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, our parent organisation, Samantha Power says she’s standing with #TeamRefugees.
Syrian Yusra Mardini, 18, on her Olympic journey: “Crying in the corner, that’s just not me” https://t.co/gQs9gbwqTn pic.twitter.com/0lVONUNQUa
— Samantha Power (@AmbPower44) August 2, 2016
Pope Francis has also declared for #TeamRefugees.
That translates as: “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. Through you, may humanity understand that peace is possible, and that with peace, everthing is a triumph; while with war everything is a loss. Your experience serves as testimony and benefits us all.”
To show your support, share this message of hope. Retweet #TeamRefugees and find the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat at @teamrefugeesfc.
Finally, here’s a little lesson on what to do with your hands when the nerves get too much to bear!
And if you want to do more… contact us. Whether it’s creating a song for the team and the fans, dedicating a performance to the team or designing a product dedicated to the team and the fans, there are no limits to how you can show support for the team.
Pictured above: UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake (center) stands with members of the global fan club in support of Team Refugee. © UNICEF/UN027584/Boyce
