THE WASHINGTON POST —We don’t have video games in the Olympics quite yet, but we’re getting closer.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Thursday that it was organizing a slate of five esports events to be staged ahead of the Summer Games this year in Tokyo. The Olympic Virtual Series (OVS) will feature competitions in auto racing, baseball, cycling, rowing and sailing.

Auto racing is not an Olympic sport, but then again, neither are any esports. However, a “road map” produced by an IOC panel in February of recommendations for the next several years included sections on growing digital engagement and on encouraging the development of virtual sports. It appears the IOC is intent on doing just that, but it will start with something of a toe-dip into the virtual waters.

“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,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement. “It encourages sports participation and promotes the Olympic values, with a special focus on youth.”

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