Nearly 70 members of Team Darfur competed in the recently completed 2008 Olympic Games. Team Darfur members won 17 medals and competed honorably on the field. While International Olympic Committee rules prevented them from making open statements about their support for the people of Darfur, Team Darfur athletes in Beijing and at home did what they could to ensure Darfur was a part of the 2008 Olympic dream.
Team Darfur runner Lopez Lomong was nominated by the US team to carry the American flag into the opening ceremonies. Lopez, who was honored by Save Darfur as the August “Darfur Hero”, has an incredible personal story which drives him to help the children of Darfur. Lopez said, “I lived that life before. That’s why I’m a member of Team Darfur. I lived that situation,” Lomong said. “Olympics is supposed to be a thing to bring people together. It’s a peaceful thing.”
From Beijing, Team Darfur member Nikki Dryden covered swimming events and said, “I have been able to witness perhaps the greatest swimming competition in history and had the opportunity to once again celebrate the Olympic Games. Team Darfur swimmers were incredible, performing well in what was the fastest Olympics ever. I was very proud of them, not just for their swimming prowess, but for their decision to join and support Team Darfur. In my heart, they are the true heroes of these Games. At fifteen, Elizabeth Beisel is wise beyond her years and she truly is a role model whom people of any age can admire. Fred Bousquet won silver in the relay and Indian’s first Olympic gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra is amazing. Of course seeing Lopez Lomong carrying the flag at Opening Ceremonies was a fitting tribute to an incredible man.”
Unfortunately, other members of Team Darfur were not allowed into Beijing. Joey Cheek, Chris Boyles, Brad Greiner and Kendra Zanotto all had their visas revoked or denied because of their involvement with Team Darfur. Not ones to let something like this silence them, Joey, Chris, Brad and Kendra took to the airwaves and used this opportunity to raise awareness about Darfur and the athletes in Beijing who wished they could speak out about it.
Shortly after his visa was revoked, Team Darfur decathlete Chris Boyles stated: “When I initially joined Team Darfur a few months ago, I had a general idea of the situation. It wasn’t until recently, however, when began to read and educate myself on the situation and see the complete destruction and gruesome acts against human beings that are taking place and being overlooked by much of the world. This awareness needs to continue to be addressed. While I am saddened that I will not be able to be a part of the Olympic Games and cheer on my friends in person, I am confident that my voice here will resonate even louder than it would have in the Olympic Stadium.”
Team Darfur President Joey Cheek summed it up: “I remain a huge believer in the power of the Olympic Games to bring people together and to be a force for conflict resolution around the world. The athletes that have joined Team Darfur did so out of a sense that the more than 2 million men, women, and children, who have been driven from their homes in Darfur deserve protection. Brad and I founded Team Darfur because we feel trying to stop conflicts such as the one in Darfur are exactly what the Olympics are about.
The recent media attention that has been paid to my situation has given us a spotlight to focus on the plight of the people in Darfur, but we must continue to fight to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The story of this Olympic Games is certainly not finished, but I want to personally thank the more than 25,000 people who wrote to support the athletes competing in Beijing that are members of Team Darfur. I am moved by your words and I know that the athletes are too.”
Everyone at Team Darfur is looking forward to cheering on the 7 Team Darfur athletes who will be competing in the Paralympics starting next month!
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
