Eighty years after becoming the capital of liberated France at the end of WWII, Bayeux is reliving the atmosphere of freedom, peace and hope of those days.
This historic town in the northern region of Normandy was chosen to host the IOC Refugee Olympic Team camp as they prepare for the upcoming Paris 2024 Games.
Athletes, coaches and staff travelled from all over the world to gather for this bonding opportunity, and they will stay together until departing for the Olympic Village on Thursday (18 July).
“I think it’s amazing, isn’t it? Finally, we get to meet each other—everyone from different countries, speaking different languages, with different personalities,” boxer Cindy Ngamba said after her arrival.
Ngamba is one of the 37 athletes who were selected for the team.
“Everyone’s a bit shy on the first day, but I think by the end of the last day, we’ll all become like a big family and get used to each other, she added.
“So when we do get to the Village, it will feel like muscle memory, as they say.”
Badminton player Dorsa Yavarivafa arrived in Bayeux after a 20-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: “When we arrived, they greeted us so nicely – she said – After that, I went to my room, I changed and did some photo shoots, which were very fun as well. The whole team is here, and I’m just so excited and nervous for my Games. But more excited, everything is perfect.”
From: Alessandro Poggi ( PARIS)