The IOC Refugee Olympic Team represents more than 100 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Made up of 37 athletes, hosted by 15 National Olympic Committees and competing across 12 sports, the team demonstrates to the world that refugees are an enrichment to the society.
The team is led by the Chef de Mission, Masomah Ali Zada; herself a member of the Refugee Olympic Team Tokyo 2020. The majority of athletes on the team are supported through the Refugee Athlete Scholarship Programme, which is managed by the ORF and funded by Olympic Solidarity. The IOC Executive Board (EB) selected the Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024. To be eligible, athletes must be elite competitors in their respective sport and be refugees in their host country, recognised by UNCHR, the UN Refugee Agency. Balanced representation in terms of sport, gender and regions will also be taken into consideration.
The Refugee Olympic Team's participation in the Olympic Games is not only a testament to their resilience and excellence but also sends a powerful message of hope, belonging, and inclusion.
