There will be a children’s nursery in the Olympic & Paralympic village at Paris 2024, in a historic first for the Games.
Thanks to an initiative provided by the IOC Athletes’ Commission and the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, and supported by Procter & Gamble (PG) and Pampers, the facility should allow for athletes to see their young children in between their training and competition schedule.
It will be located in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Village Plaza, and, according to the Olympics website, the service is intended for “children of nappy/diaper-wearing age.”
The space will be open from 9am to 9pm daily and it will also feature a “private space for breastfeeding” for mothers who should need to avail of it.
Nappies and wipes will also be provided on behalf of P&G’s Pampers® brand.
To utilise the children’s nursery in the Olympic & Paralympic village, children and their dedicated caregivers must obtain a guest pass from their relevant National Olympic Committee.
It comes as the IOC and IOC AC continue to strive for increased support for parents around sport.
“"The introduction of the Olympic Village nursery, a first in the Games’ history, highlights our dedication to inclusivity and athlete well-being, ensuring that athlete parents have the necessary support to compete at their best. P&G’s efforts not only enhance the Games-time experience but also align with the IOC’s mission to promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for all participants,” says Anne-Sophie Voumard, Managing Director of IOC Television & Marketing Services.
“Many athletes are balancing their sporting careers and family. I know how this feels as I competed at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games as a mother with a young child. Pregnancy and motherhood are a natural path in life, and it doesn’t have to mean a career end for female athletes,” Emma Terho, IOC AC Chair says.
“It is very helpful for both parents and infants to be able to spend time together, especially at such an important moment in an athlete’s sporting life. This nursery allows that to happen, while also giving athletes the opportunity to focus on the Games,” she adds.
Five time Team GB Olympian Laura Kenny also put forward her thoughts, which are particularly applicable given her son was just three when she was competing at the Games.
“For athletes who are also juggling their role as parents, connecting with their babies in an accessible space like the nursery supported by Pampers® will be an amazing resource, providing valuable support to Olympic and Paralympic athletes during Games time,” she says.
Interested parties should register their interest here.
P&G have also committed to provide other supports and services on top of the children’s nursery in the Olympic & Paralympic village, ranging from beauty and grooming salons, to laundry rooms, dental clinics and complimentary period products.
For further information, see the official press release here.
For the first time in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Paris 2024 Olympic Village will include a...
Posted by Athlete365 on Tuesday, May 14, 2024