NEWS
Bach confirms refugee team will take part at Rio 2016
POSTED 08 Mar 2016 . BY Matthew Campelli
IOC president Thomas Bach said the team would 'send a message of hope' to all refugees
Forty-three promising athletes are being lined up to compete at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio in a team made up entirely of refugees.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Team Refugee Olympic Athletes (ROA) will compete at the Games. Out of the 43 that have been identified, between five and 10 will be selected to take part.

Team ROA will get its own welcome ceremony at the Games, like other teams, and will march behind the Olympic flag before host team Brazil at the opening ceremony. The IOC will provide uniforms and a team entourage including coaches and technical officials.

“By welcoming the team of Refugee Olympic Athletes to the Olympic Games Rio 2016, we want to send a message of hope for all refugees in our world,” said IOC president Thomas Bach. “Having no national team to belong to, having no flag to march behind, having no national anthem to be played, these refugee athletes will be welcomed.”

The athletes were identified by National Olympic Committees, with candidates receiving funding from the IOC to assist their qualification efforts. If refugee athletes go on to win medals during the Rio Games, an Olympic flag will be raised, and the Olympic anthem will be played.
RELATED STORIES
  Olympic torch relay to pass through Greek refugee camp


A refugee centre in Greece will host part of the Olympic torch relay ahead of the Rio 2016 Games – with the torch being carried by a refugee.
  Refugees welcomed with sport by German Olympic body


The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) is using sport to reach out to its growing refugee population with an initiative to ease their integration.
  FC Bayern München pledges €1m and sets up 'training camp' to help with refugee crisis


German football club Bayern München has pledged to play an “active part” in helping young refugees arriving into the country.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Bach confirms refugee team will take part at Rio 2016...
08 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

08 Mar 2016

Bach confirms refugee team will take part at Rio 2016
BY Matthew Campelli

IOC president Thomas Bach said the team would 'send a message of hope' to all refugees

IOC president Thomas Bach said the team would 'send a message of hope' to all refugees

Forty-three promising athletes are being lined up to compete at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio in a team made up entirely of refugees.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Team Refugee Olympic Athletes (ROA) will compete at the Games. Out of the 43 that have been identified, between five and 10 will be selected to take part.

Team ROA will get its own welcome ceremony at the Games, like other teams, and will march behind the Olympic flag before host team Brazil at the opening ceremony. The IOC will provide uniforms and a team entourage including coaches and technical officials.

“By welcoming the team of Refugee Olympic Athletes to the Olympic Games Rio 2016, we want to send a message of hope for all refugees in our world,” said IOC president Thomas Bach. “Having no national team to belong to, having no flag to march behind, having no national anthem to be played, these refugee athletes will be welcomed.”

The athletes were identified by National Olympic Committees, with candidates receiving funding from the IOC to assist their qualification efforts. If refugee athletes go on to win medals during the Rio Games, an Olympic flag will be raised, and the Olympic anthem will be played.



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre   07 Jun 2026

Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and .... more>>

Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal
Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal   05 Jun 2026

Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal .... more>>

Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi   05 Jun 2026

Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, .... more>>

Company profile


Technogym UK Ltd

Founded in 1983, Technogym is a world leader brand in fitness, wellness, sport and health.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd