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Article by Mallaika Thapar | August 27, 2024 | Global Rights Defenders
THE BROADER IMPACT OF THE REFUGEE OLYMPIC TEAM
The Refugee Olympic Team's (ROT) journey from Rio 2016 to Paris 2024 is a remarkable testament to the power of sport to transcend borders and bring people together. The organisations formation was driven by a profound commitment to addressing the refugee crisis and showcasing the incredible potential of displaced individuals. Their participation in the Olympics has been a source of inspiration, hope, and a call for greater global solidarity.
This article will provide a historical overview of how the ROT became established in the Olympics, the significance of refugee participation, and highlight the incredible and historic win by the first refugee medalist, Cindy Ngamba.
BACKGROUND
The Olympics have long been celebrated as a stage for human excellence and unity, and the Paris 2024 Games were no exception. This world witnessed a significant milestone accomplished at the 2024 Olympics by the Refugee Olympic Team which won its first-ever medal in the games since its establishment. Cindy Ngamba, competing in the women’s boxing 75 kg weight class, secured the prestigious bronze medal, marking an important moment for the ROT. This accomplishment not only showcases Ngamba’s athletic skills but also underscores the broader mission of the ROT.
Established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the ROT was created as a response to the global refugee crisis, providing a platform for athletes who have been displaced due to conflict and persecution. The team aims to continue to highlight the resilience and potential of these athletes, aligning with the universal values of the Olympic Movement, which emphasize human dignity and solidarity beyond national boundaries.
Ngamba’s success at Paris 2024 reflects the ROT’s ongoing impact in drawing attention to the challenges faced by refugees and demonstrating their ability to excel on the world stage. This achievement has served as a testament to the ROT’s role in promoting awareness and support for displaced individuals globally.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROT AND ITS INVOLVEMENT IN THE GAMES
The Refugee Olympic Team was established in response to the escalating global refugee crisis, particularly in Europe which had seen millions of people displaced by conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. In March 2016, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach announced the creation of the ROT as a means to offer a platform for athletes who had been forced to flee their home countries. The initiative was not only about providing an opportunity for competition but also about drawing attention to the broader issues facing refugees and fostering a sense of global solidarity.
The ROT was first introduced at the Rio 2016 Olympics, with ten athletes from Syria, Ethiopia, Congo, and South Sudan. These athletes competed in athletics, swimming, and taekwondo, bringing their compelling personal stories to the global stage. Their participation symbolised hope and resilience, drawing attention to the refugee crisis and the extraordinary journeys of these athletes. For instance, Yusra Mardini, a Syrian swimmer, had fled her war-torn country, and her journey to the Olympics inspired global audiences and exemplified the spirit of the ROT. She was later appointed as the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador to further the voice of refugees across the world. Despite not winning any medals, the ROT's presence generated significant media attention and humanitarian interest, shining a spotlight on the refugee crisis and the incredible journeys of the athletes.
The ROT returned for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, the team was expanded to 29 athletes from Syria, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, competing in athletics, swimming, and judo. The increased number of athletes highlighted the growing recognition of the ROT and the progress made since Rio. Their performance underscored the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and the potential they bring to the global sporting arena and further reinforced the message that refugees are capable of extraordinary accomplishments despite the challenges they face.
PARIS 2024 HISTORICAL WIN AND CINDY NGAMBA
The Paris 2024 Games presented an opportunity to further amplify the ROT's impact and reflect on the progress made since its inception. The team consisted of 37 athletes and competed across 12 sports in the games. The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a historic milestone for the team as they won their first-ever medal in the games.
Cindy Ngamba became the first person to win an Olympic medal for the Refugee Olympic Team, winning a bronze medal in the women's 75kg boxing event at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Originally from Cameroon, Cindy's journey was marked by significant hardship, including fleeing her home due to political unrest and coming to Europe where she was detained in Great Britain.
Ngamba also faced fears about returning to Cameroon due to her LGBTQ+ identity, as homosexuality is illegal there and can result in imprisonment for up to five years. Finally, she was granted permission to reside in Britain under a refugee status.
Her success in Paris was a powerful demonstration of her skill and resilience, and emphasised the broader message of the ROT. Cindy’s victory drew international attention to the experiences of refugees, symbolizing hope and strength within the displaced community. The bronze medal not only highlighted Cindy's achievements but also underscored the broader impact of the ROT in raising awareness about the refugee crisis and promoting global solidarity.
With each Olympic cycle, the ROT aims to include more athletes, providing an increasingly larger platform for displaced individuals to showcase their talents and share their stories. The ongoing global refugee crisis underscores the importance of maintaining visibility and support for refugees, and the ROT plays a crucial role in this advocacy. By participating in future Olympic Games, the ROT can continue to draw international attention to the challenges faced by refugees and promote greater solidarity and humanitarian support.
HOW CAN WE HELP
Raise Awareness: Leverage social media to spotlight the stories and achievements of ROT athletes, amplifying their impact and participating in campaigns that support the team.
IG @refugeeolympicteam
X (Twitter) @RefugeesOlympic
Donate to Refugee Foundations: Contribute to organizations that support refugees, such as the Olympic Refuge Foundation
REFERENCES
Badwal, S. (2023, June 21). Refugee boxer Cindy Ngamba has “overcome obstacles” to pursue Team GB Dreams. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/team-gb-cameroon-krakow-refugees-home-office-b2361792.html
International Olympic Committee. (2016a). IOC Refugee Olympic Team. International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/ioc/refugee-olympic-team
International Olympic Committee. (2016b). Rio 2016 Refugee Olympic Team. International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/ioc/refugee-olympic-team-rio-2016
International Olympic Committee. (2016c, June 3). Refugee Olympic team to shine spotlight on worldwide refugee crisis. International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/ioc/news/refugee-olympic-team-to-shine-spotlight-on-worldwide-refugee-crisis
International Olympic Committee. (2021). IOC Refugee Olympic Team Tokyo 2020. International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/ioc/refugee-olympic-team-tokyo-2020
International Olympic Committee. (2024b, August 9). Cindy Ngamba achieves first ever medal for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/ioc/news/cindy-ngamba-achieves-first-ever-medal-for-the-ioc-refugee-olympic-team
Olympic Refugee Foundation. (2024a). Paris 2024 team. International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/en/olympic-refuge-foundation/refugee-team
UNHCR. (2017, April 27). Yusra Mardini appointed UNHCR goodwill ambassador. UNHCR. https://www.unhcr.org/news/news-releases/yusra-mardini-appointed-unhcr-goodwill-ambassador
United Nations. (2024, August 5). Historic first medal for refugee Olympic team | UN news. United Nations. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1152821
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