Olympic refugee team

By The Rt Rev’d Jennifer A. Reddall, sixth bishop of Arizona

Drama. Excitement. National Pride. Team Spirit. 

You all know I am a sports fan (mostly soccer and baseball), so the Olympics is always a fun time in my household—especially given that I am an early riser and can watch all sorts of sports before I head to the office. This morning it was judo, tennis, shooting, and beach volleyball.  Yesterday it was gymnastics, rugby, and field hockey. I love seeing some of the more obscure sports (mixed doubles table tennis, anyone?) I only ever encountered it in the Olympic years.  

I love the idea that nations in conflict can meet on a sports field and compete peacefully. I love that even with the dominance of large wealthy countries, smaller and poorer nations do succeed at many sports, and every Olympics has its underdog stories. 

This year, I’m also intrigued by the team of refugees and displaced people who are competing under the Olympic flag. From the Olympics website: 

Supporting refugees and displaced populations remains a key priority for the IOC, as outlined in Recommendation 11 of the Olympic Agenda 2020+5. The Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) was established in 2017 to build on this commitment.

In addition to supporting elite athletes in their participation in the Olympic Games, the ORF works to provide access to safe sports for people affected by displacement worldwide. Through partnerships and its programs across the globe, the ORF aims to build a movement where displaced people can improve their mental health and well-being and find belonging in their host communities, through sport. The Foundation aims to ensure young people can access sport wherever they may be, and that sports can be adopted at all levels as a tool for supporting refugees.

Since its inception in 2017, the work of the ORF has resulted in almost 400,000 young people being able to access safe sports. More than 1,600 coaches have been trained in delivering safe sports sessions, and its programs have supported young people in 11 countries across all five continents.

I’m praying this week for the 37 refugee athletes who are competing on behalf of the 100 million refugees on our planet. May they shine—and may we work to end the violent war that causes so many to be displaced.

The 2024 Paris Olympics IOC Refugee Olympic Team