Yusra Mardini Foundation Inc

The Yusra Mardini Foundation Inc, with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) 92-1461685, is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing access to sports and education for refugee communities worldwide. Founded by Syrian Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini, the foundation aims to empower displaced individuals by leveraging the transformative power of sports.

Background

Yusra Mardini is a prominent refugee advocate and Olympic athlete. Born on March 5, 1998, in Damascus, Syria, she began her swimming career early in life. In 2015, as the Syrian conflict intensified, Mardini and her sister Sara fled their homeland, eventually seeking refuge in Germany. Despite the challenges of being displaced, Mardini continued to pursue her passion for swimming and was selected to compete as part of the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Mission

The Yusra Mardini Foundation focuses on providing refugee athletes with opportunities, resources, and networks necessary to excel in sports and rebuild their lives. By promoting sports and education, the foundation strives to transcend borders, bridge cultural divides, and inspire hope among refugee communities. It advocates for inclusivity, integration, and the rights of refugees to create a more peaceful and equitable world.

Activities and Partnerships

The foundation partners with organizations to execute projects focused on sports for development, particularly for refugees. It emphasizes the importance of mental health protection and promotes positive change through sports, aligning its activities with the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. The Yusra Mardini Foundation collaborates with entities like the Swiss watch manufacturer Oris to support refugees' successful integration into host communities.

Leadership and Structure

While specific details about the foundation's leadership structure are limited, Yusra Mardini is the central figure behind its mission and initiatives. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since 2017, Mardini continues to advocate for refugees globally, using her platform to highlight their struggles and achievements.

Impact and Recognition

Yusra Mardini's story and the foundation's mission have gained international recognition. Her memoir, Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian – My Story of Rescue, Hope and Triumph, and the Netflix documentary The Swimmers have contributed to raising awareness about refugees and the transformative power of sports. In 2023, Mardini was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People In The World alongside her sister Sara.