5 ISSUE no 1 , SEPT 2016
The Debut of the Refugee Team
In this recent Olympics 2016 a break from precedence occurred whereby the first refugee team was assembled to compete at the Olympic Games . Ten athletes were given the privilege . The athletes were allowed to compete under the Olympic flag and participate in the opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium , Brazil . The team included Rami Anis , a Syrian swimmer living in Belgium , South Sudan 800-meter runner Yiech Pur Biel , James Nyang Chiengijek , a 400m specialist , and Paulo Amotun Lokoro , a 1,500m runner . Also included were Yomas Kinde , from Ethiopia , to compete in the marathon , while Popole Misenga , from the Democratic Republic of Congo took part in judo , Anjelina Nada Lohalith was selected to compete in the 1,500m and Rose Nathinke Lokonyen in the 800m . Judo practitioner Yolande Bukasa Mabika , who left the Democratic Republic of Congo obtained asylum in Brazil in 2013 . 18 year old Yusra Mardini a Syrian now settled in Germany was also selected for swimming . This initiative it is hoped would be “ A signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society .” Global records indicate that the number of refugees , asylum seekers and displaced peoples had continually risen since the 59.5 million recorded at the end of 2014 . “ All the athletes had their sporting careers interrupted and as high-level refugee athletes ” were given “ the opportunity to pursue their dreams ," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said in a statement .
Desiderata ( Latin : " desired things ") is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann . Largely unknown in the author ' s lifetime , the text became widely known after its use in devotional and spoken-word recordings in 1971 and 1972 .
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste , and remember what peace there may be in silence . As far as possible , without surrender , be on good terms with all persons . Speak your truth quietly and clearly ; and listen to others , even to the dull and the ignorant ; they too have their story . Avoid loud and aggressive persons ; they are vexatious to the spirit . If you compare yourself with others , you may become vain or bitter , for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself . Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans . Keep interested in your own career , however humble ; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time . Exercise caution in your business affairs , for the world is full of trickery . But let this not blind you to what virtue there
Is ; many persons strive for high ideals , and everywhere life is full of heroism . Be yourself . Especially , do not feign affection . Neither be cynical about love ; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass . Take kindly the counsel of the years , gracefully surrendering the things of youth . Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune . But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings . Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness . Beyond a wholesome discipline , be gentle with yourself . You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars ; you have a right to be here . And whether or not it is clear to you , no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should . Therefore be at peace with God , whatever you conceive Him to be . And whatever your labors and aspirations , in the noisy confusion of life , keep peace in your soul . With all its sham , drudgery and broken dreams , it is still a beautiful world . Be cheerful . Strive to be happy . Max Ehrmann , " Desiderata