Pan American Games champion Roberto Hernández has supported the campiagn ©Getty Images

The El Salvador Olympic Committee has put its support behind a drive for more people to donate blood in the country, encouraging its athletes to lead the way.

It wants to help the Salvadoran Red Cross' "Winning Blood" campaign.

Donating blood demonstrates values that the El Salvador Olympic Committee and Olympic Movement at large encourage such as showing solidarity with and serving others, says the National Olympic Committee (NOC).

"The best thing we have is our winning blood and we want to donate it so that it is never needed by those who need it most," said NOC President Eduardo Palomo Pacas.

The Salvadoran Red Cross says blood reserves are low at present, but that people can still donate safely in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.

It will organise transport to and from a donation centre for athletes, while a WhatsApp number has been set up which those wanting more information can contact.

Archer Roberto Hernández, who won a gold medal at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games in the men's individual compound competition, is among those to have donated.

The El Salvador NOC has also been supporting healthcare workers battling the coronavirus pandemic in the country by encouraging athletes and fans to applaud for a minute each day at 8pm.

There have been more than 320 confirmed coronavirus cases in El Salvador.