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The Refugee Olympic Team, a message of hope and solidarity

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They will be the second team to parade on July 26 on the Seine, behind the Greek delegation, during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Little known to the general public, the Olympic refugee team has been growing and becoming more and more established since the Rio 2016 Games. Meet its athletes with extraordinary backgrounds whose dream of participating in the competition and representing more than 100 million refugees is coming true today.

From our special correspondent in Bayeux,

« Bam, bam, bam! » The blows of hands and feet on the training targets make an incredible din amidst which the shouts of the athletes pierce. The day has barely begun and the sweat is flowing freely. The young Syrian Adnan Khankan takes off his kimono jacket, wipes his face and grabs his mobile phone. With oriental music playing loudly, he re-energizes his new comrades for an interminable series of push-ups.

In this gymnasium in Bayeux, a symbolic town in Calvados for its history during the Landing, athletes from combat sports, boxing, judo, wrestling and taekwondo train tirelessly to be ready for the I of Paris 2024. A few steps from the hall in a stadium, others are doing laps on foot, on bikes, while upstairs a young Afghan girl is reproducing her breakdancing demonstration in front of a gigantic mirror. Twelve sports in total are practiced here.

Outstanding athletes…

The athletes met for the first time just 48 hours ago, some of them having taken refuge in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, etc. Everyone is in a good mood, laughing and joking. It’s the first time we’ve all met and it’s a unique and very special moment, explains former Swiss swimming champion Anne-Sophie Thilo, communications officer for the Refugee Olympic Team (ROT). We see them first and foremost as refugees, but above all, they are athletes. Some of them find each other after having practiced their sport together in their home country! It is simply incredible. »

These 37 athletes from eleven different countries (mostly Afghans, Iranians and Syrians) form the 2024 Refugee Olympic Team. They were chosen based on their sporting abilities at the continental and international level, but also based on their refugee status — recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Little known to the general public, this is nevertheless the third time that the Refugee Olympic Team has competed at the Games. And this year, for the first time, the team will parade with its own flag, like the other Olympic teams, symbolized by a red heart surrounded by arrows, a unifying symbol that gives the team a unique identity.

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« The family has grown since the last editions, it’s greatconfides Masomah Ali Zada, the head of this mission, herself a former Olympic cyclist and refugee from Afghanistan. These athletes made their dream come true. “And for good reason: this team represents no less than 120 million refugees in the world.” The common point between them, although they all have atypical backgrounds, is resilience. They never gave up despite the difficulties. “Difficulties that they rarely talk about because the psychological ordeal was so laborious for them. They were also given a “media training” course so that they would not be helpless when faced with certain questions. Dwelling on the past when you are there primarily to forget and rebuild yourself in front of the world’s media is far from easy.” It can bring back injuries, some athletes have a hard time recovering from it. We talk to them a lot about their experiences, often more than their sporting results. It’s kind of logical, but it’s painful for many of them. “, confides a source from the EOR staff.

Masomah Ali Zada, right, head of mission of the Refugee Olympic Team with members of the delegation, in Bayeux on July 17, 2024. © Anne Bernas/RFI READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Stories of lives turned upside down

« I am glad that there are many Syrians, we share our trajectory together. We have experienced the same problems “, says Yahya al-Ghotany. Forced to flee Syria with his family when war broke out more than a decade ago, he settled in the Azraq refugee camp in Jordan, where he began practicing taekwondo. Today, at 20, he lives alone in Amman and trains twice a day at the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation’s (THF) Azraq Academy. If the war in Syria ever ends, would he want to be on the Syrian Olympic team? Yahya shuts down and refuses to answer.

Omid Ahmadisafa is also one of them. Visibly uncomfortable in front of the microphone, he keeps his large black sunglasses on his youthful face. In Iran, his home country, he was a member of the national boxing and kickboxing team. In the latter discipline, he won gold at the world championships. He fled Iran to settle in Germany in 2022. As an IOC scholarship holder for refugee athletes, the young man is now training boxing with the German national team. I left my country to hope for a better future and leave all the problems there. Being part of this refugee team is showing that you can make your dream come true. “A dream that will be closely watched by his family who remained in Iran, but who, thanks to social networks, follow Omid’s journey and exploits and feel ” so proud ».

« Me, my loved ones and my supporters follow me and encourage me enormously from Congo-Brazzaville and elsewhere. It encourages me enormously and makes me want to give my all in Paris, even better than during my participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. “, rejoices Dorian Keleta, 25, a 100m runner. The young man started running at the age of fifteen. He does not say it and his face that exudes the joy of living does not give it away, but after losing both his parents, he was forced to leave his hometown at the age of seventeen, arriving first in Lisbon and finally settling in Paris.

Dorian Keletela during training with his coach, July 17, 2024 in Bayeux. © Anne Bernas/RFI

Came to France in 2018 for “ political reasons “, the Ethiopian athlete (1,500 m) Farida Abaroge will not dwell further on her “life before.” I’m just here to talk about sports, please. “Like the other members of the EOR, it is therefore for sport that she is here and will not say a word about her travels in many countries before arriving in France where she requested asylum and has since become a refugee. The only memory of her past that the 30-year-old woman agrees to talk about is therefore the one that relates to her passion. ” Since I was little in Ethiopia, I have been doing sports, I started with karate, then football and running.. » Admitting that she feels a certain stress, Farida, all smiles, explains like her companions that this participation in the Olympic Games is a dream come true, ” and what’s more I’m in the same room as another Ethiopian, it’s great, we share everything “Her compatriot being Eyeru Gebru, a cyclist who has represented her country at major championships and who, at the African continental championships, won a silver medal in the women’s road race in 2019 and gold medals in the team time trial in 2018 and 2019. She fled Ethiopia due to the civil war in the north of the country in 2021.

Cyclists from the Refugee Olympic Team, in Bayeux on July 17, 2024. © Anne Bernas/RFI

A mix of cultures, languages, and histories, the Refugee Olympic Team, 85 people in total, forms a real family that exudes a crazy energy, a feeling that is palpable just by being around them. A close-knit delegation that is extremely proud to be present at these 2024 Olympic Games. Before leaving Normandy for the Parisian Olympic Village and for the “serious” things to begin, the Refugee Team delegation enjoys a last breath of fresh air on the immense beach of Arromanches-les-Bains, about ten kilometers from Bayeux. Between two souvenir photos, an impromptu football match takes place and everyone bursts out laughing under the curious eyes of the vacationers who discover the existence of this unusual team that hopes for the first time in its history to collect medals in Paris. The dream I still have is that this team no longer exists, that there are no more refugees in the world. That everyone can live in peace in their country. “, says mission leader Masomah Ali Zada. A dream that will probably not come true before several Olympics, including the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

The 85 members of the Refugee Olympic Team (athletes, coaches, caregivers, translators, etc.), on the beach of Arromanches-les-Bains, July 17, 2024. © Anne Bernas/RFI

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SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

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Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

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