The refugee team players participating in the Tokyo Olympics met on the 27th, and Rose Nathike Lokonien from South Sudan, who participated in the second consecutive tournament, said, "I want to convey hope to refugees around the world through the tournament. I complained.
Following the Rio de Janeiro Games, the IOC = International Olympic Committee has formed a group of refugee athletes who live away from their home countries due to conflicts, and 29 athletes are participating.
Three of these players held a press conference in Tokyo on the 27th.
Originally from South Sudan, who served as the flag bearer of the Rio de Janeiro Games, track and field athlete Loconien said, "I participated in the Rio de Janeiro Games for the first time, and the fund that supports refugee athletes made it possible to participate in various international competitions. Life has changed completely. I would like to thank the people who gave me this opportunity and supported me, and the Japanese people who warmly welcomed me. "
After that, he said, "I want to convey the power and hope of sports to refugees around the world by participating in this competition," and emphasized the significance of refugee athletes participating in the Olympic Games.
In addition, South Sudan track and field athlete Yiech Pur Biel, who also participated in two consecutive tournaments, said, "Approximately half of the 20 million refugees in the world are under the age of 25, giving refugees a chance through sports. I think it has a big meaning. I can say that through my own experience. I think that getting to know us through the competition will open the door to humanitarian assistance to refugees. "
In this tournament, the refugee team has been doing well, with Kimia Arizaday Zenulin from Iran, who participated in the Taekwondo Women's 57kg class, finishing in 4th place, and the activities of the refugee players will continue to attract attention.