Refugee Team to Compete at Rio 2016 Paralympics

Team of refugees will take part at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, according to official statement of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — A small group of refugees will compete as part of an Independent Paralympic Athletes (IPA) team at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said in a statement Friday.

"As the world’s number one sporting event for driving social inclusion, the Paralympic Games have long been an important symbol for the promotion of human rights. Given the current crisis in which millions of people around the world have been displaced and affected by war and conflict, this is the moment to shine a light on the people with impairments affected, as well as highlight the broader situation," IPC President Philip Craven was quoted as saying in the statement.

According to the statement, the team is expected to be named later in August. It will compete under the Paralympic Flag and will lead the march at the opening ceremony of the Games.

It will be accompanied by Kenyan peace activist and Olympian marathoner Tegla Loroupe, coaches and support staff. The IPC is said to be covering all their related expenses, including travel.

The 2016 Paralympic Games are scheduled to start in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on September 7 and last until September 18.