The Refugee Olympic Team is also known as the EOR, and it comes from the French version of the name: équipe olympique des réfugiés. The idea of the EOR was first introduced during the Rio Olympics, and it apparently worked well enough that they’ve included the team in 2021 as well. This year’s team will be composed of 29 athletes representing 12 different sports. The athletes are from 11 countries and have been living and training in 13 nations.
The sports that will be represented by the EOR include athletics, badminton, boxing, canoeing, cycling, judo, karate, taekwondo, sport of shooting, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling. In the opening ceremony on July 23, the EOR team will carry the Olympic flag and immediately following the Greek team, who traditionally open the games.
Throughout the games, the Olympic flag will be raised to represent the team, including during any possible medal ceremonies. The refugee team will join teams from 206 other nations in participating in the Games, and will be staying in the Olympic Village along with the rest of the athletes competing. The athletes were able to train for competition thanks in part to scholarships provided by the International Olympic Committee through their Olympic Solidarity initiative.