UNMISS
United Nations Mission in South Sudan

South Sudan Olympians say "being a refugee is only a status"

Five South Sudanese refugees who have qualified to compete at the Olympic Games prepare to fly from Kenya to Brazil. Photo: UNHCR/Benjamin Loyseau

Five runners who fled South Sudanhave been given the chance to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as refugees.

On Thursday, they boarded a plane in Kenya, bound for the Brazilian city that's hosting the world's biggest sporting event that opens next week.

A total of 10 refugees from various countries will be competing in the ground-breaking team and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says they represent an international symbol of hope to millions worldwide.

Laura Jarriel has the story.

Related Audio