Paris 2024 Olympic Games: Prioritizing Athlete Wellbeing with Free Condoms, Mental Health Resources, and Cyberbullying Support
Paris 2024 Olympic Games organizers have unveiled several initiatives aimed at promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of athletes during their stay at the Olympic Village. The village is expected to house around 14,500 athletes and staff members in July and August.
Health and Safety Measures:
Organizers revealed that a substantial quantity of condoms will be made available to ensure the health and safety of athletes during their stay. Specifically, 200,000 male condoms, 20,000 female condoms, and 10,000 oral dams will be distributed throughout the Olympic Village.
Laurent Dalard, the First Aid Coordinator, expressed the importance of inclusivity and emphasized that there will be awareness messages regarding consent and pleasure versus performance. Dalard also highlighted the organizers’ commitment to addressing both the physical and mental wellbeing of athletes during the games.
Comprehensive Medical Services:
To cater to the medical needs of the athletes, a clinic will be set up in the Olympic Village with the capacity to treat around 600 to 700 patients per day. The clinic will include specialists for various ailments, two MRI machines, and a fully stocked pharmacy, ensuring athletes have access to comprehensive medical care.
Mental Health Support:
In a groundbreaking move for Olympic Games, organizers announced that mental health services will be provided for the first time in the form of a dedicated space within the Olympic Village. Dalard acknowledged that the athletes, particularly those born with social media and screens, might not always have the right practices and may be susceptible to cyberbullying.
Mental Health Awareness Campaign:
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games organizers will launch an awareness campaign focusing on cyberbullying to protect athletes from the negative consequences of social media. Although social media can be a source of encouragement for competitors following victories, it can also be brutal with sexist, racist comments related to athletes’ size, weight, or other aspects, especially after a competitive loss.
By prioritizing the health and wellbeing of athletes in various aspects, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games organizers are setting a new standard for future Olympic Games.
