Thousands of flushed condoms threatened to choke the Commonwealth Games village's drainage system, media reports said, in the latest in a string of problems — from hidden snakes to outbreaks of dengue — to hit the venue.
Games organizers, who won a race against time to ready the village, are now battling to clear clogged drains after non-biodegradeable contraceptives were flushed down toilets in the first week of the event.
"If that is happening, it shows that there is use of condoms and I think that is a very positive story. Athletes are being responsible," Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell told a news conference on Thursday.
"We all know that encouraging safe sex is a very important thing to do."
Games organizers had provided 8,000 free condoms in the village, and the provision appears to be in high demand.
Eager athletes
One official told the Mail Today newspaper on Thursday that over 4,000 had already been snapped up by eager athletes.
Shoddy construction work, fears over an outbreak of dengue fever and worries about security had meant many teams delayed their move into the village before the Games began.
However, blame for the latest problem lies firmly with the athletes.
Following a decision to provide free condoms at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, it has become something of a tradition.
At the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, athletes quickly used up the 70,000 free condoms provided, forcing organizers to supply another 20,000, while at the 2004 Games in Athens, the provision was doubled to 130,000.
At both the Beijing Games in 2008, and the Vancouver Winter Olympics in February, 100,000 condoms were provided for athletes.
