Filippo Grandi to receive Olympic Laurel for support in leveraging sport for refugee inclusion

IOC President Thomas Bach praised Grandi for his exceptional support in leveraging sport for refugee inclusion and well-being.

Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has been announced as the third recipient of the prestigious Olympic Laurel. This recognition will be presented during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Friday. The award, created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), honors individuals for their significant contributions to education, culture, development, and peace through sport.

IOC President Thomas Bach praised Grandi for his exceptional support in leveraging sport for refugee inclusion and well-being. “Filippo Grandi has supported in an unprecedented way the crucial role sport can play for inclusion, belonging, and physical and mental well-being of refugees,” Bach stated. He highlighted Grandi's enthusiasm and full support for the Refugee Olympic Team and the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), which was established in 2017.

Grandi, with over 30 years of experience in refugee and humanitarian work, expressed his pride in receiving the Olympic Laurel. He emphasized the Refugee Olympic Team as a beacon of hope and inspiration, illustrating what refugees can achieve when given opportunities in sport. “Sport brings people together, benefits mental and physical health, gives children positive role models, and teaches valuable life lessons,” Grandi noted.

The IOC's commitment to refugee support began with the establishment of the Refugee Olympic Team for the Rio 2016 Olympics, followed by a larger team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. For Paris 2024, 37 athletes have been selected to represent the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. Grandi has been instrumental in this initiative, joining the ORF as Vice-Chair and supporting its growth, which has impacted nearly 400,000 young people in 11 countries.

The Olympic Laurel, awarded every four years, celebrates the ideals of the ancient Olympic Games with a focus on human development through peace and sport. The trophy’s base is a replica of a stone from Olympia, Greece, linking the modern awards to the ancient tradition. Previous recipients include Kenyan Olympic champion Kip Keino and social entrepreneur Muhammad Yunus.

The selection of Grandi for this honor underscores the IOC’s recognition of his dedication to integrating sport into the lives of refugees and promoting their empowerment through the Olympic movement.