NEW YORK, June 3 (UPI) -- Members of the first all-refugee team ever to compete at the Olympic Games were announced Friday, about two months before the start of the global athletic event in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
The International Olympic Committee announced the roster Friday.
"Ten refugee athletes will act as a symbol of hope for refugees worldwide and bring global attention to the magnitude of the refugee crisis when they take part in the Olympic Games Rio 2016 this summer," the IOC stated on its website.
All 10 athletes were selected by the IOC's Executive Board.
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"These refugees have no home, no team, no flag, no national anthem. We will offer them a home in the Olympic Village together with all the athletes of the word," IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement. "This will be a symbol of hope for all the refugees in our world, and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis."
The team is comprised of six men and four women. Refugees from South Sudan make up half of the roster.
The refugee athletes are: (Origin nations in parentheses)
Men - Rami Anis (Syria), swimming; Yiech Pur Biel (South Sudan), track; James Nyang Chiengjiek (South Sudan), track; Yonas Kinde (Ethiopia), running; Paulo Amotun Lokoro (South Sudan), track; Popole Misenga (Democratic Republic of the Congo), judo.
Women - Anjelina Nada Lohalith (South Sudan), track; Rose Nathike Lokonyen (South Sudan), track; Yolande Bukasa Mabika (Democratic Republic of the Congo), judo; Yusra Mardini (Syria), swimming.
"Refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society," Bach added. "These refugee athletes will show the world that despite the unimaginable tragedies that they have faced, anyone can contribute to society through their talent, skills and strength of the human spirit."
The 2016 Summer Olympic Games, which begin Aug. 5 and run through Aug. 21., are the first ever held in South America.
