The organizers of the Rio 2016 Olympics have said that nearly half a million free condoms will be given to athletes and support staff to promote 'safe sex' and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The organizers are planning to distribute 450,000 condoms and 175,000 packets of lubricants to players and team officials during the global athletic event.

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"We will be distributing 450,000 condoms to the 10,500 athletes who will be participating in the Olympics. Of the total, 350,000 will be male condoms and 100,000 female condoms," a spokesman for the organizers said, according to AFP news agency.

The distribution of the condoms and lubricants will begin at the Games Village on July 24, almost two weeks ahead of the Olympics. Condom vending machines are expected to be set up at the Olympics village to aid the distribution.

"Brazil really encourages safe sex and athletes set an example to the general population. They can play an important role in the fight against AIDS," the spokesperson added.

The news comes in the backdrop of the spread of the Zika virus in Brazil. The deadly virus is usually spread by mosquitoes, but it can also be transmitted sexually. The Australian Olympics Committee early this week announced that anti-Zika virus condoms will be given to athletes during the Rio Olympics.   

"The health and wellbeing of the team comes first and our association with Starpharma will provide extra protection for everyone on the team," said Kitty Chiller, Aussie team chef de mission. "It is a common sense approach to a very serious problem we are facing in Rio."

The 2016 Summer Olympics takes place in Brazil' Rio de Janeiro city from August 2 to 21. The organizing committee recently unveiled the design of tickets. For booking tickets, visit Rio Olympics' official website here.

TagsRio, Brazil, Olympics, Condoms, Safe Sex