The organizing committee of the 2024 Paris Olympics has distributed 300,000 condoms to over 14,000 athletes taking part in the competition, according to media sources.
This distribution will ensure that each athlete has access to at least two condoms per day throughout the Games.
The initiative is part of a tradition at the Olympics aimed to promote safe sexual practices and prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the athletes.
According to People, a popular online site, the condoms were placed in the athletes’ rooms as they arrived.
“The condom packaging also includes the Paris Games’ mascot—the Olympic phryge—which is shaped as a soft red conical bonnet or Phrygian cap that is a symbol of freedom,” People reported.
Each condom also bears messages such as “Score a win: Yes to consent, no to STDs,” “Don’t share more than victory: Protect yourself against STDs,” and “Fair play, safe play: Consent first.”
The tradition of distributing condoms at the Olympics dates back to the 1988 Seoul Olympics, when 8,500 condoms were supplied as part of a campaign to raise awareness about HIV during the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Since then, the number of condoms provided has increased significantly to meet the growing demand.
For instance, the 2000 Sydney Olympics saw 70,000 condoms distributed, which proved insufficient, leading to higher quantities being provided at subsequent Games, including those in Rio and Tokyo.
The condom distribution is just one part of the broader health and safety measures implemented at the Olympic Village.
These measures are designed to ensure that athletes can focus on their performances without compromising their well-being.
The 2024 Paris Olympics officially kick off today, July 26, and will run until August 11.
