Syrian refugee carries Rio 2016 Olympic Torch in Athens and calls for end to all wars
Swimmer Ibrahim Al-Hussein, who lost part of his leg in bombing, followed by hundreds of kids as he carries torch in Eleonas camp
Torchbearer Ibrahim Al-Hussein represented the world's exiles and refugees (Rio 2016/André Naddeo)
Visibly moved and surrounded by journalists from all over the world, Syrian refugee Ibrahim Al-Hussein said it had been a “great honour” to carry the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch on Tuesday (26 April) in the Eleonas camp for refugees and migrants in Athens.
Al-Hussein, a swimmer whose Olympic dream seemed to have ended when he lost part of his leg in a 2012 bombing, was surrounded by hundreds of refugee children as he carried the most iconic of Olympic symbols for a few hundred metres alongside an improvised football pitch.
The 27-year-old dedicated the historic moment to all refugees. “The opportunity I have had today has been unique and a great honour,” he said.
“I wish that all wars would end and that everyone can go back to their homes in peace”
Ibrahim Al-Hussein
Ibrahim Al-Hussein: ´The @OlympicFlame sends a message of peace and solidarity for the world´ pic.twitter.com/UV7xiwcXWF
— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) 26 de abril de 2016
After carrying the Olympic Torch through the camp that is currently home to over 1,600 people, Al-Hussein called on refugees to follow his example and take up sports. “I ask people to go out and practise sports,” he said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the plan for a refugee to carry the torch during a visit to the camp in January. The IOC is also mounting a special refugee team to compete at the Rio 2016 Games.
Refugees in the Eleonas camp called on the world to help them (Photo:Rio 2016/André Naddeo)
Spyros Capralos, president of the Hellenic (Greek) Olympic Committee, said: “This flame brings solidarity and peace to people around the world, and we are very happy that together we managed to make this happen.”
“Ibrahim having the flame in his hand showed that sport can make the world a better place”
Spyros Capralos
Al-Hussein, who walks using a prosthesis but swims regularly, was asked about the possibility of competing at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. He said it would be a “beautiful opportunity” to come to Rio, but added “my country is Greece” and kissed the sweatband on his wrist that beared the blue and white of the Greek flag.
