Doha, Qatar, April 30, 2024: The Board of Directors of the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) held their annual meeting for 2024 in Doha with the participation of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and member of the Foundation's Board of Directors.
The meeting was chaired by ORF Chairman and IOC President Thomas Bach and was attended by ORF Vice Chair and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Filippo Grande alongside members of the ORF Board.
President Bach opened the meeting with a welcoming speech in which he praised Doha’s hosting and Qatar’s active role in supporting the foundation.
Sheikh Joaan said: “We are committed to expanding our partnership with the Olympic Refuge Foundation to provide a safe haven year-round for refugee athletes from all over the world, along with their coaches and technical officials - giving them the training, facilities and access they need to develop their skills in Doha."
H.E the Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, added: "Qatar has demonstrated how sports can bridge divides, foster mutual understanding and promote peace. We have invested in sports as a platform to unite people from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing that it's more than just sports—it's a dialogue"
Following the meeting, the board members visited the Palestinian refugee compound in Al Thumama and were joined by the Minister of Social Development and Family, HE Mariam Al Misnad.
The IOC established the ORF in 2017 at its Session in Lima where the QOC became a Founding Partner. The Foundation’s mission is for displaced young people to find a home through sport and shape their own futures.
