Visa signs up Syrian swimmer Yusra Mardini for Rio 2016

The global payments provider, which is an International Olympic Committee (IOC) partner, has confirmed that it will support Syrian swimmer Yusra Mardini on her journey to the Games, and is working to secure funding for the other members of the ten-strong Refugee Olympic Team named at the beginning of June. Visa is also sponsoring Raheleh Asemani, an Iranian refugee who will represent Belgium in taekwondo.

Mardini, 18, fled Syria for Greece a year ago with 20 others in a small inflatable dinghy, whose engine failed a few miles from the shore. Along with her sister, Mardini then swam for three hours to pull the boat to shore. She has since settled in Germany.

“I am honored to be joining Team Visa’s community of Olympic hopefuls on the road to Rio 2016,” said Mardini. “Since arriving in Berlin, I have been humbled by the warm welcome I’ve received from the swimming community and everyone associated with the Olympic Games. It means so much to me to have a partner that accepts me, includes me, and provides me with the same opportunities as other athletes competing in Rio.”

Chris Curtin, the chief brand and innovation marketing officer at Visa, added: “Our belief in the power of acceptance truly comes to life every two years through our Olympic partnership and the competitors that represent us at the Olympic Games. Team Visa embodies our belief that everyone, regardless of background, should be given the ability to reach their highest potential. We’re thrilled to welcome Yusra and to invite additional refugee Olympic athletes to join Team Visa’s incredible community.”