Refugee team looks to make point

The world seems to have forgotten the deafening sound of gunfire that rocks Juba streets as it focuses its attention on the Rio Olympic Games. These refugees have fled from war, literally running for their lives.

Now they will run for glory, for hope and just like other athletes heading to the Olympics conquer their fears and secure a win for humanity.

"It is not about winning gold, but to show the world that even as a refugee, you can do whatever you want given a chance," said one of the athletes, Anjelina Nada.

The group of athletes, who have gained the required Olympic qualification, will participate in the parade during the opening ceremony on Friday, knowing that their effort, to compete on the ultimate stage in sports excellence, will inspire hope to millions of their sisters and brothers back home in South Sudan.

The team of refugees has been training in Nairobi, Kenya.

It will be the first time that a refugee team will make its debut at the Olympics with an aim of shedding light on the global migration crisis and tribute to their courage and perseverance led by UN Goodwill Ambassador for Sport Tegla Loroupe.

Running under the International Olympic Committee flag, the athletes are Yiech Pur Biel (South Sudan, men's 800m), James Nyang Chiengjiek (South Sudan, men's 400m), Yonas Kinde (Ethiopia, men's marathon), Anjelina Nada Lohalith (South Sudan, women's 1500m), Rose Nathike Lokonyen (South Sudan, women's 800m), Paulo Amotun Lokoro (South Sudan, men's 1500m).

"These athletes have shown their work and interest excelling in sport. They have had disturbing experiences at their homes and they opted to run away. But we have agreed to give them a chance to redeem their life and get their career on the line," Loroupesaid.

Five middle-distance runners from South Sudan, until recently living in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp, and an Ethiopian athlete (marathon) were cleared by IOC and will be running in Rio.