Olympic competitors to received vaccines donated by Pfizer/BioNTech
Madrid, May 6 (EFE).- Pfizer and BioNTech are to donate doses of their Covid-19 vaccine to competitors in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the International Olympics Committee said Thursday.
It comes as part of an initiative by organizers to ensure the Games go ahead safely.
“This donation of the vaccine is another tool in our toolbox of measures to help make the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 safe and secure for all participants, and to show solidarity with our gracious Japanese hosts,” said IOC President Thomas Bach.
He added: “We are inviting the athletes and participating delegations of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games to lead by example and accept the vaccine where and when possible.
“By taking the vaccine, they can send a powerful message that vaccination is not only about personal health, but also about solidarity and consideration of the wellbeing of others in their communities.
“We would like to thank Pfizer and BioNTech for this very generous donation to support the vaccination of athletes and Games participants ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.”
The donated vaccines will be distributed according to the local guidelines of each country, the statement said.
Tokyo 2020 was due to be held last year but was postponed by the pandemic.EFE
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