The International Olympic Committee on Friday confirmed a historic team of 10 refugees who will compete in the Rio Olympic Games.

The Refugee Olympic Team (ROT) will compete in the sporting extravaganza for the first time, with Kenyan former marathon world-record holder Tegla Loroupe taking the role of the team's Chef de Mission.

Five athletes from South Sudan, two apiece from Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo along with one from Ethiopia will compete in Brazil.

There will be six men and four women representing ROT, with six participating in athletics, two in swimming and as many in judo.  

 IOC president Thomas Bach said: "These refugees have no home, no team, no flag, no national anthem. We will offer them a home in the Olympic Village together with all the athletes of the world.

"The Olympic anthem will be played in their honour and the Olympic flag will lead them into the Olympic Stadium. This will be a symbol of hope for all the refugees in our world, and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis.

"It is also a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society.

"These refugee athletes will show the world that despite the unimaginable tragedies that they have faced, anyone can contribute to society through their talent, skills and strength of the human spirit."