From immigrants to sports figures: the case study of the IOC refugee team in rio olympics 2016
This paper examines the experiences of refugee athletes in pursuing their ultimate dream to compete in the Olympics, and explores the challenges and prospects they faced. Relevant data were obtained from secondary sources, such as sports articles and biographies on websites, about refugee athlet...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
International Institute of Islamic Civilisation and Malay World (ISTAC), IIUM.
2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/69025/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/69025/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/69025/1/AL%20SHAJARAH_IOC%20REFUGEE%20TEAM.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/69025/7/69025_From%20immigrants%20to%20sports%20figures_scopus.pdf |
| Summary: | This paper examines the experiences of refugee athletes in pursuing
their ultimate dream to compete in the Olympics, and explores the
challenges and prospects they faced. Relevant data were obtained
from secondary sources, such as sports articles and biographies on
websites, about refugee athletes competing in the Rio Olympics in
2016. Eleven sports personalities among the refugees from South
Sudan, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia were
studied. They represented the Refugee Team in judo, athletics and
swimming. A summative content analysis was conducted to see
variations in their sporting motives. The analysis suggests that
despite of harsh living conditions in their home countries, refugees’
passion to compete in sport was very much alive when they arrived at
the host countries. The paper also reveals that host countries like
Germany, Brazil, and Luxembourg provided several opportunities for
the refugees to venture into sport, but available opportunities are
selective due to their status as refugees. Also, their participation in
sport is confined to Olympic events only. Today, participation in
sport is seen as an avenue for refugees to salvage their pride and
dignity apart from seeking better opportunities in life. Indeed, sport
is a powerful tool to unite people from different backgrounds and
nationalities. |
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