05/06/2021 10:18 AM EDTPfizer and its German partner BioNTech have hatched an agreement with the Olympics’ governing body to help vaccinate participants in the Tokyo games set for July.
“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,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a release on Thursday. “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.
The IOC has previously said it will not mandate vaccinations to participate in this year’s Olympics, which combined with limited supply across much of the globe — particularly in less affluent countries — has raised concerns about the safety of the international athletic showcase. This summer’s games, which were postponed from last year due to the pandemic, is expected to be a comparatively slimmed-down affair with the opening ceremony scheduled for July 23.
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