Fact Check: Tokyo Olympics not giving medals to volunteers
The medal is for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic volunteers. The medal also contains the word ‘volunteer’ in several languages, including ‘swayamsevak’ in Hindi.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 2 July 2021 3:54 AM GMT
Hyderabad: Several Twitter users are posting images of a medal engraved with the words 'Tokyo 2020' and claiming that the medal is for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic volunteers. The medal also contains the word 'volunteer' in several languages, including 'swayamsevak' in Hindi.
According to one Twitter user, "This medal is to be given to Tokyo Olympic volunteers and also has inscription in hindi also. Proud to share this."
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Fact Check
The claim is false.
NewsMeter performed a reverse image search and found the same image on the e-commerce platform ebay with the title "Olympic Tokyo2020 pin volunteer languages benevole volontair pin". The product description clearly states that the image is not a medal but a pin/badge that can be fastened onto garments. As it is available on ebay, this indicates that this medal/pin is not linked to the Tokyo Olympics.
NewsMeter then searched for the design of the Tokyo Olympic medals. We compared them to the one being shared online and found zero resemblance. Apart from this, the FAQ section on the official Olympics website clearly states that the organization only provides a set of volunteer uniforms, food and beverages during volunteer activity, insurance specific to volunteer activity, and travel expenses (1,000 yen/day).
Nowhere was it mentioned that volunteers would receive any medals or pins. The website further said volunteers would not receive any certification upon completion of their volunteer work.
This indicates that the Tokyo Olympics volunteers are not getting any medals. Hence, the claim is false.
