Ibrahim al-Hussein, a 27 year old refugee from Syria, during a swimming training session in the former 2004 Olympic sport complex in Athens. ; Ibrahim al-Hussein will carry the Olympic Flame in Athens as part of the torch relay for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. The symbolic gesture is meant to show solidarity with the worlds refugees at a time when millions are fleeing war and persecution worldwide and an its an immense privilege for the a 27 year old refugee from Syria who once dreamed of competing in the Olympics and whose athletic career was interrupted by the war and an injury that cost him part of his right leg after a bombing in his home town of Deir ez-Zor. "It is an honor," Ibrahim says of bearing the Olympic flame. "Imagine achieving one of your biggest dreams. Imagine that your dream of more than 20 years is becoming a reality." Ibrahim commits himself to a rigorous training schedule. Three days per week, He swims with ALMA, a Greek nonprofit organization for athletes with disabilities. His training is held in the former 2004 Olympic sport complex in Athens. He is also part of a wheelchair basketball league that meets five times per week and travels throughout the country for games. Ibrahim does all this despite working a 10-hour overnight shift at a cafe in Anthoupoli, an Athens suburb 30 minutes by train from his home. "It's not just a game for me," Ibrahim says of his commitment to athletics. "It's my life."
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes today’s announcement by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) of two refugees who will compete as a team in the upcoming 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The participation of a first-ever refugee team in the Paralympic Games is an example of what can be accomplished when refugees with disabilities are given the opportunity to pursue their dreams and apply their skills. While all forcibly displaced people face challenges, those with disabilities are often at heightened risk because they are less likely to be involved in decisions that concern them, face numerous barriers to accessing assistance, and thus risk having their key protection needs go unmet. As such, promoting their active inclusion and full participation in society – including through sports – is key to their protection and well-being.
“The Independent Paralympic Team is a symbol of the strength and determination of all refugees with disabilities in overcoming significant odds. We are very inspired by them and look forward to cheering them on. Including a refugee team in the Paralympic Games also sends a strong message of support to all refugees and asylum-seekers with disabilities worldwide, and UNHCR commends the IPC for this initiative”, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
The team members, as announced by the IPC, are Ibrahim al Hussein, a refugee from Syria living in Greece, who will swim in the 50-m and 100-meter freestyle events; and Shahrad Nasajpour, an Iranian who was granted asylum in the United States and who will compete in discus. You will find more details on the team members here.
The Independent Paralympic Team initiative follows closely in the footsteps of the widely celebrated Refugee Olympic Team. As the first ever refugee team, they made history at the Rio2016 Games, representing the courage and perseverance of the world’s refugees and displaced people – a population that now exceeds 65 million.
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