Olympics-South Sudan becomes Olympic movement’s 206th member

The worldwide Olympic Committee officially recognized the World Flying Disc Federation on Sunday, creating the opportunity for the organization to receive IOC funding and potential inclusion in the Olympic Games.

“It will also give great hope and inspiration to the youth of our country“, he added.

While Ultimate is now eligible to be included in the Olympics, it must compete against a wide range of more established sports for inclusion in the program.

IOC President Thomas Bach personally welcomed the South Sudan NOC, represented by its President Lt. Gen Wilson Deng Kuoirot and its Secretary General Tong Chor Malek Deran, into the Olympic fold and presented them with a certificate of recognition and an Olympic flag.

“It demonstrates what autonomy of sports from politics really means, because despite the political dispute between Sudan and South Sudan you have worked together”, he said.

“We will stand by your side”.

“This will put your nation on the world map”.

He added: “We will arm our young people with sport, and not with guns.”

South Sudan, with a population of over eight million people, split from Sudan and became independent in 2011.

The South Sudan NOC met the requirements for recognition as outlined in the Olympic Charter. And the country is now free to compete at next year’s summer Olympics under its own flag.

“Being a member of the IOC will allow us to send a team to next year’s Olympics”.

The country has been gripped by civil war for 19 months and the conditions have made it virtually impossible for athletes to train properly.