Paris 2024 Olympics: 300,000 Condoms To Be Distributed Within Olympic Village, When Did This Tradition Start?

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The 2024 Olympics in Paris, known as the City of Love, is setting a warm and inclusive tone for athletes from across the globe.

An age-old activity is making a grand return at the Paris Olympic Games this summer, famously dubbed "sport in the room" by the French. In a bold move away from the intimacy and social distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, organizers are set to distribute 300,000 condoms to Olympic Village residents.

Laurent Michaud, the Olympic and Paralympic Village director, told in a Sky News interview that everyone in the Village would have their needs met with this provision. This gesture aims to make the 9,000 athletes feel comfortable and enthusiastic throughout the events happening from July 26 to August 11 and that the amount of condoms is enough for almost two each for every day of the Olympics.

Alcohol won't be available in the Olympic Village, a common practice for such settings. Further, he also highlighted the significance of conviviality at the Village, revealing plans to create vibrant spaces where athletes can relax and connect with their peers.

The tradition of distributing condoms at the Olympics dates back to the Seoul Olympics in 1988, starting with about 8,500 condoms to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. This number has significantly increased over the years, with a notable instance at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, where an additional 20,000 condoms were ordered after the initial 70,000 proved insufficient. The Rio Olympics in 2016 saw a staggering 450,000 condoms distributed, a decision that sparked considerable media attention.

Paris is also utilizing the Olympic platform to promote sexual consent awareness, announcing a contest to redesign condom packets handed out throughout the year, inspired by the Olympics' festive spirit.