Somalia took part in the 2000 Summer Olympics from 15 September to 1 October 2000. The delegation consisted of athletics competitors Ibrahim Mohamed Aden and Safia Abukar Hussein. Because of financial difficulties, Somali businesspersons contributed capital to the group. The nation was granted permission from the IOC to compete in the Olympics and the ruling body paid for the majority of the team's air travel to Sydney. The athletes were viewed by the media as having little opportunity to win Somalia's first medal. Aden was the flag bearer for the opening ceremony.