The Mexican Olympic Committee received a letter of coronavirus proposals ©Mexican Olympic Committee

Mexican Olympic Committee (COM) says it has received proposals from the Olympic Medalists of Mexico (MOM) and the Mexican Olympic Association (AOM) to seek preferential access to a coronavirus vaccine and protect sports budgets during the pandemic.

COM President Carlos Padilla Becerra met with Daniel Aceves Villagrán, President of the MOM and AOM, at the organisation’s headquarters.

Aceves presented Becerra with a letter which suggested three possible actions, which included urging the International Olympic Committee, where appropriate, to seek priority access to a vaccine produced to combat coronavirus.

The letter suggested the vaccine could then be given to athletes, coaches, judges, referees and other personal accredited to attend the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games next year.

Aceves also suggested National Olympic Committees could attempt a similar effort with Governments on a local level.

The letter also called for the protection of public and private budgets for sport, which were claimed to be key to preventing noncommunicable diseases.

Daniel Aceves Villagrán presented the letter to COM President Carlos Padilla Becerra ©Mexican Olympic Committee
Daniel Aceves Villagrán presented the letter to COM President Carlos Padilla Becerra ©Mexican Olympic Committee

This included seeking calls from the United Nations, World Health Organisation and world leaders around the importance of sport to encourage people to live healthier lifestyles.

Aceves letter also suggested including the promotion of social sport or sport for all as a priority within the Olympic Charter.

It is claimed this would help National Olympic Committees to explain efforts to Governments and civil society, which would ensure sport programmes are a key part of public policies.