UNITED NATIONS, Apr 30 (APP): United Nations Secretary General Ban
Ki moon welcomed the first ever Olympic refugee team to compete in the international event, and received the Olympic Cup Award on behalf of the UN.
“This year, the International Olympic Committee has taken the
extraordinary step of including a refugee team,” Ban announced at an event in Geneva, where he was on a visit, entitled “Celebrating the Olympic Spirit” ahead of the Rio games which begin in August.
“For the first time in history, talented athletes who have been forced
to flee their homes will get a chance to chase gold. Their fellow refugees will see outstanding contenders who give hope to all. And the world will see refugees the way they deserve to be seen: as talented, strong and inspiring people,” he declared.