Australia Olympic Committee helps families flee Afghanistan for a new home in Australia

Five Afghan families with ties to the Olympic movement have been successfully relocated to Australia following a 12-month long project conducted by the AOC to bring them to safety.

Included in the group are dual Olympian track sprinter Kimia Yousofi, Afghanistan’s flag bearer at the Tokyo 2020 Games and taekwondo Asian Games medallist Ahmad Abasy, who is also a campaigner for women’s sports rights – as well as two families with strong connections to Olympic volleyball.

In all, 31 family members have arrived in Australia – the first in early June and the most recent last week.
All families faced significant risk had they remained in Afghanistan as a consequence of their support for the participation of women in sport and education.

AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says efforts to secure a safe passage from Afghanistan and ultimately into Australia involved many parties working cooperatively since August last year.

“For the families involved, the stress and uncertainty over this time has been enormous.

“These brave people have endured significant hardship and we are so pleased that our efforts have been successful. Many have spent time in locations outside Afghanistan and it’s wonderful to now have them on Australian soil. All arrived happy, if exhausted.

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Photo credit: Michelle Haywood