Aug 9, 2016 -

Refugee Olympic Team turns dreams into reality

News Hour:

In Rio 2016 Olympic, Ten refugees made history as members of the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team. They havestarted competing in their heats at Rio2016.

The team includes two Syrian swimmers, two judokas from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a marathoner from Ethiopia and five middle-distance runners from South Sudan.

After the excitement of the Opening Ceremony, the Games have got underway and Refugee Olympic Team’s Yusra Mardini immediately made a splash. Her time was actually 1:09.21 – fast enough to win her heat, but too slow to qualify for the semifinals.

The UNHCR chief also visited the athletes at the Olympic Village. Here he is pictured with Kenyan marathon hero, Tegla Laroupe – who is also the official head of the Refugee Olympic Team.

UNHCR head Filippo Grandi and Team Refugee leader Tegla Laroupe. *PHOTO:UNHCR

UNHCR head Filippo Grandi and Team Refugee leader Tegla Laroupe. *PHOTO:UNHCR

Mridha Shihab Mahmud is a writer, content editor and photojournalist. He works as a staff reporter at News Hour. He is also involved in humanitarian works through a trust called Safety Assistance For Emergencies (SAFE). Mridha also works as film director. His passion is photography. He is the chief respondent person in Mymensingh Film & Photography Society. Besides professional attachment, he loves graphics designing, painting, digital art and social networking.
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