On Saturday, residents from across the Treasure Valley celebrated the internationally-honored World Refugee Day with a celebration at the Grove Plaza and a soccer friendly at Ann Morrison Park.
The celebration became a tradition in 2001. Idaho has resettled more than 23,000 people from almost 60 different countries since 1975.
Refugees showcased their talents and cultures with musical performances, dancing, vendors, ethnic food, and soccer.
To start the celebration Mayor Dave Bieter introduced the annual Citizenship Ceremony, where 20 refugees from Bhutan, Burma, Congo, Eritrea, Iraq, Rwanda, and Somalia took an oath to become Americans.
Celebrations continued at Ann Morrison Park with the Refugee Soccer Friendly, where four teams made up of refugees from around the world competed for the championship.
World Refugee Day is a way for Idahoans to welcome their new neighbors and help them succeed in our community.
