Refugee team OK’d for Olympics after positive COVID-19 test

The Refugee Olympic Team was cleared to travel to Tokyo Games after a positive COVID-19 test delayed their arrival.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the group of 26 athletes, 16 coaches, and 10 officials will travel to Japan within the next three days. 

“Members of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team who gathered in Doha, Qatar, for a Welcome Experience, and whose departure for the Olympic Games was delayed, are now on their way to Tokyo,” the IOC said in a statement

26 athletes, 16 coaches and 10 officials will be travelling to Japan in the next 3 days. First group is due to arrive at Narita airport tonight after their departure for the #Tokyo2020 Games was delayed.#RefugeeOlympicTeam #StrongerTogether @refugeeshttps://t.co/sbbujfES2z

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) July 18, 2021

“I feel very excited. Finally, we are going to Tokyo!” Olympic badminton player Aram Mahmoud said in the statement. “You could think that it is like going to any tournament. But it is not. Despite the situation, I feel ready mentally and physically and want to give my best.”

An official who received a single shot of the COVID-19 vaccine tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, and was isolated from the rest of team. 

The  team was created in 2016 by the IOC and is focused on allowing athletes who have been forced to leave their native countries a chance to compete in the Olympics. 

The Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed due to the pandemic last year, are set to begin on July 23.