The Meaning of the Torch
Every four years, the Olympic Games provide us the opportunity to celebrate human achievement through individual & team athletic excellence. But more importantly, the Games remind us of our collective spirit - of who/what we are together, as one human team. That is the theory at least - the Talk. This year, in Rio, that ideal was made manifest. MEANS celebrates the 2016 Refugee Olympic Team...
The Refugee Nation flag was designed and made by Yara Said, an artist and Syrian refugee now living in Amsterdam. After graduating at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus University, Yara had to leave her own country to search for a safer place to live.
"Black and orange (colors of the life vests) is a symbol of solidarity for all those who crossed the sea in search of a new country. I myself wore one, which is why I so identify with these colors—and these people." - Yara Said
The Refugee Nation anthem was written by Moutaz Arian, a composer and Syrian refugee now living in Istanbul. Three years ago, he was studying music at University of Damascus. After being threatened with conscription into Assad’s army, Moutaz decided he had no choice but to flee his own country.
"I want to make music not just for Kurds or Arabs, but for the whole world." - Moutaz Arian
Refugee Olympic Team - Rio 2016
· Rami Anis (M): Country of origin - Syria; Sport - Swimming
· Yiech Pur Biel (M): Country of origin - South Sudan; Sport - Track & Field
· James Nyang Chiengjiek (M): Country of origin - South Sudan; Sport - Track & Field
· Yonas Kinde (M): Country of origin - Ethiopia; Sport - Track & Field
· Anjelina Nada Lohalith (F): Country of origin - South Sudan; Sport - Track & Field
· Rose Nathike Lokonyen (F): Country of origin - South Sudan; Sport - Track & Field
· Paulo Amotun Lokoro (M): Country of origin - South Sudan; Sport - Track & Field
· Yolande Bukasa Mabika (F): Country of origin - Democratic Republic of the Congo; Sport - Judo
· Yusra Mardini (F): Country of origin - Syria; Sport - Swimming
· Popole Misenga (M): Country of origin - Democratic Republic of the Congo; Sport - Judo
