GENEVA, March 2-- A team of refugee athletes are expected to compete in the Rio Olympic Games this summer.

The International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday that they have identified 43 candidates for the Olympic Games in a "message of hope" for millions of refugees around the world.

IOC President Thomas Bach said he expects between five and 10 athletes to be selected for a team that will compete under the Olympic flag as "Team Refugee Olympic Athletes."

The final list of athletes will be named by the IOC executive board in June and the team will march in the opening ceremony in Rio on Aug. 5 just before the athletes from host Brazil. "By welcoming this team of refugee athletes to Rio, we want to send a message of hope for all refugees of the world," Bach said.