Rio de Janeiro: The Rio 2016 Olympics officially kicked off with a magnificent opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 6.
A total of 206 nations displayed their strength for the games. While some nations received some huge cheers, one new entity stole the show and made the moment special.
When Zimbabwe were the last country to enter the Athletes Parade, the name of the Refugee Olympic Team entered and the Maracana stadium exploded in loud cheers. The Refugee Olympic Team, competing in the Olympics for the first time, also witnessed a standing ovation which became the symbol of the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
The Refugee Olympic Team is participating as Independent Olympic athletes. It was created to show solidarity with the world’s refugees.
The team consists of 10 participants. The key players include 18-year-old swimmer Yusra Mardini, who moved from Syria to Germany and will participate in the 200m freestyle swimming event. Refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo and other places that have been affected by humanitarian crises are part of the team, ndtv.com reported.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach also praised the Refugee Olympic Team. Speaking in the Opening Ceremony, Bach said, “The Refugee Athletes are sending a hope to the millions of refugees.
Having to leave home because of hunger, violence and just because you are different. Because of your human spirit, you are making a great cause to humanity. In this Olympic world, we welcome you as an enrichment to our diversity.”