The refugees of the Olympic Games!

A special team of Refugee Olympic Athletes has been officially launched and is set to compete at August's Games in Rio like any other team, it has been announced. The group, officially called Team Refugee Olympic Athletes, will march behind the Olympic Flag second last before host nation Brazil at the Opening Ceremony on August 5.

Forty-three potential participants have been identified to participate through Olympic Solidarity. All will have to qualify and reach specific standards, however, with it estimated that a final group of between five and 10 will ultimately compete. In order to allow time for this process to be completed, additional candidates will now only be considered in "exceptional circumstances". A full team is expected to be confirmed at the next IOC Executive Board meeting in June.