Mark this in your diary folks, sim racing is going to the Olympics!

Yes, our beloved virtual motorsport has been going through something of a boom period in recent months, while the rest of the world is seemingly falling apart around our very ears, the sport of sim racing has taken the very grey cloud that hangs above us all, and found the richest of silver lining since we first felt the effects of Covid-19.

From real world drivers and personalities taking up our sport in serious numbers, to an ever-increasing interest in sim racing and esports from manufacturers and businesses the world over, it seems like even the age-old Olympic Games are keen to get in on the action, with the announcement that sim racing and other virtual sports are set to be officially recognised as part of future Olympic Games events, with the announcement of the first ever Olympic Virtual Series.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will partner with five International Sports Federations (IFs) and game publishers to produce the Olympic Virtual Series (OVS), the first-ever, Olympic-licensed event for physical and non-physical virtual sports.

IOC President Thomas Bach said:
“The Olympic Virtual Series is a new, unique Olympic digital experience that aims to grow direct engagement with new audiences in the field of virtual sports. Its conception is in line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and the IOC’s Digital Strategy. It encourages sports participation and promotes the Olympic values, with a special focus on youth.”

With Motorsport set to be represented by the massively popular Gran Turismo Sport, the new initiative is set to take place from the 13th May to the 23rd June 2021, with further details expected to be revealed by the organisers once final arrangements have been put in place.

Do you think this new announcement will help increase awareness and popularity of sim racing? Is this a genuine movement to recognise virtual sports in the real world, or simply an opportunity to cash in on the recent esport boom?

We like to hear your opinions in the comments below.

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