As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, athletes are receiving welcome kits with essential items to prepare for the Games. Among these are unique items, including themed condoms with Olympic rings, highlighting the importance of health and safety amid the competition. This reflects the organizers’ commitment to supporting athletes throughout their journey.
The Paris 2024 Olympics have officially started, ushering in an exciting and historic summer of sports. The Opening Ceremony, held on July 26, 2024, set the stage for what promises to be a spectacular Games. The ceremony featured a dazzling array of performances, artistic displays, and the grand parade of nations, celebrating the rich culture of France while welcoming athletes from around the world
Today marks the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics, with exciting events kicking off. Highlights include the first rounds of athletics, shooting, table tennis, and the badminton group stage, among others. The day promises thrilling moments as the Games begin.
What’s in the Bag:
The welcome bag, a sleek black tote, contains a mix of high-tech gadgets, personal care items, and hydration solutions:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6: This special edition smartphone comes with an e-sim, courtesy of telecommunications giant Orange, which provides athletes with free data and calling services throughout their stay, allowing them to stay connected with their loved ones and supporters across the world.
- P&G Everyday Champions Welcome Kit: This Paris-themed reusable bag is filled with personal care items such as Oral-B toothbrushes, Head & Shoulders shampoo, Aussie hair products, Safeguard soap, and Febreze air freshener. These things are designed to keep athletes fresh and ready for their events
- Coca-Cola Water Bottle: A stylish, reusable red metal water container that promotes hydration and sustainability. Athletes can use this bottle to stay hydrated throughout intense training and competitions.
- Powerade Sipper: This addition ensures athletes have a reliable source of hydration with them at all times, essential for maintaining peak physical performance.
Public Reactions on social media
Various reactions have been sparked on social media by the addition of these aspects. Though some users commended the well-considered and useful selection, others voiced concerns about sustainability, especially with reference to the inclusion of single-use plastic items such as Powerade and Coca-Cola bottles.
One Instagram user commented, “Ewww @ the Coca-Cola & Powerade bottle, could you source a more sustainable alternative?” Another user added, “What a ridiculous and pointless waste of resources!” However, there were also positive responses, with one person writing, “Now I wish I was an Olympian and qualified to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games at Paris.”
In addition to the extravagant welcome, the organizers included condoms in the athletes’ gift bags. Among the bag’s basics, one stands out, Olympic-themed condoms with a message. The colourful packaging and consent-related messaging are printed to promote safe, protected, and consensual intimacy during the event with a sporty twist in the language, setting these apart from the ones given out during previous games. Safe sex is a priority for the organizers, who have stocked the Olympics Village with approximately 300,000 condoms for the duration of the competition.
