Embrace the Olympic Spirit and stand with refugees and people seeking asylum

As the world gathers for the Olympic Games 2024, we are experiencing a powerful message of unity, global collaboration, and shared humanity that resonates across nations.

The Olympic spirit transcends borders, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate athletic excellence and the indomitable human spirit.

This year, the Games carry a particularly poignant reminder of our shared responsibility towards refugees, with the inclusion of the Refugee Olympic Team and the awarding of the Olympic Laurel to UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.

In this spirit, we invite you to join us in our mission to support refugees and people seeking asylum, as we strive to build a future based on the values of unity, fair play, and equal opportunity that the Olympics champion.

The Refugee Olympic Team: A Beacon of Hope and Resilience

The Refugee Olympic Team symbolises the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Comprising athletes who have fled conflict and persecution, this team represents millions of refugees worldwide who are striving for a chance to tell their stories and rebuild their lives. Their participation in the Olympics is not just a testament to their athletic prowess but also a powerful statement of resilience, hope, and the universal desire for peace and stability.

By supporting JRS Australia, you can take the lessons we learn on the world stage, and also stand with refugees and people seeking asylum in your local community.  Your support helps provide essential services such as emergency assistance, educational opportunities, and advocacy for policies that protect the rights and dignity of refugees and people seeking asylum.

Together, we can create a world where everyone has the chance to pursue their dreams, free from fear and displacement.

Filippo Grandi and the Olympic Laurel: Recognising Efforts for Refugees

This year, the Olympic Laurel, an award celebrating outstanding contributions to education, culture, development, and peace through sport, was bestowed upon Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Grandi’s unwavering dedication to the Olympic Refugee Team highlights the critical need for global solidarity and concerted action to address the refugee crisis. His recognition serves as an inspiration for all of us to contribute in whatever way we can to support those who have been forced to flee their homes.

At JRS Australia, we are committed to this mission. We work tirelessly to provide refugees and asylum seekers with the support they need to integrate into their new communities and rebuild their lives with dignity. Your contribution can make a tangible difference, enabling us to continue offering vital programs that promote self-sufficiency, social inclusion, and leadership opportunities for those in need.

Unity and Fair Play: Core Olympic Values, Core JRS Principles

The Olympic Games celebrate values that align closely with the principles guiding JRS Australia: unity, fair play, and equal opportunity. Just as athletes from around the world compete on a level playing field, we strive to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers have equal access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. The spirit of fair play extends beyond sports; it encompasses our commitment to justice, equality, and the recognition of each person’s inherent dignity.

By supporting JRS Australia, you contribute to building a fairer world where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can live with dignity and hope. Your support helps us advocate for policies that protect refugee rights, provide emergency assistance, and foster environments where refugees and people seeking asylum can flourish.

We pay particular respect to the athletes from Palestine – those who are competing in the 2024 Olympic Games this year, and those who were unable to compete. We know from the people we meet every day that you don’t need to be an olympic athlete to be a hero. We are privileged to have everyday champions in our own backyard, who have overcome incredible odds to build a life here in Australia – and we think that deserves celebrating.

Our Head of Accompaniment and Service, Josephine Rechichi, offered the following in this regard:

Coming Together: One World, One Humanity

In the spirit of the Olympics, let us come together as one global community to support our brothers and sisters who have been displaced by conflict, persecution, or disaster. The Games remind us that, despite our differences, we share a common humanity and a collective responsibility to care for one another.

Your support for JRS Australia is a powerful way to act on this shared responsibility. Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, your involvement makes a real difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. Together, we can uphold the Olympic values of unity, collaboration, and equal opportunity, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute to and benefit from our shared global community.

As we celebrate the Olympic Games and the remarkable achievements of the Refugee Olympic Team, let us also celebrate our capacity to make a difference. Join us in being part of a movement that champions the dignity, rights, and potential of refugees worldwide.

Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.