Dear John, 

After a long delay, we are less than two months away from the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games! The best athletes from all around the world will finally get to demonstrate their skill, strength and endurance on the biggest stage, after a year that has been a great challenge to us all.

There is one team of athletes whose strength and endurance has been tested in more ways than one: The Refugee Olympic Team. Competing under the Olympic flag, their hard work and resilience is attribute to the courage and perseverance of everyone who has been forced to flee their homes.  

More than 50 refugee athletes have been training hard to make it to the Olympic Games, sponsored by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Today we find out who is going to Tokyo.

Each refugee athlete, including those that become members of the Refugee Olympic Team, has trained through mental and physical hardship to get where they are today. They have benefitted from their love of sport, which can be a great way to heal, develop and grow for people fleeing conflict or persecution. Understanding this, UNHCR is working with our partners, including the IOC, to create safe and protective environments where everyone can play, compete and have fun.

We are so excited to watch the Refugee Olympic Team shine on the world stage, and eagerly anticipate the announcement of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Refugee Paralympic Team, in the run up to the Paralympic Games. Over the next month and throughout the Games’ in Tokyo we will be sharing the stories of these incredible sports people – make sure to follow us on social so you don’t miss any part of the action!

Nick Sore
Senior Refugee Sports Coordinator