Sending a message of hope for refugees across the world, IOC has announced plans to send a team of refugee athletes to take part in the Rio Olympics this summer.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday that they have identified 43 candidates for the Games in a "message of hope" for millions of refugees around the world, reports Xinhua.
IOC President Thomas Bach said he expects between 5-10 athletes to be selected for a team that will compete under the Olympic flag as Team Refugee Olympic Athletes.
The final list will be named by IOC in June and the team will march in the opening ceremony in Rio on August 5 just before the athletes from hosts Brazil.
"By welcoming this team of refugee athletes to Rio, we want to send a message of hope for all refugees of the world," Bach said.
