Rio’s road to hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics has not been an easy one. Plagued by protests and concerns from Brazilians since the nation won the bid, the fervor has claimed the job of Brazilian Sports Minister, George Hilton, and could have a huge effect on upcoming national politics. Perhaps aware of the looming problems, folks have not been lining up to buy tickets and many people involved with the Olympic games are starting to express concerns over the country’s readiness.
Members of the Association of Olympic International Sports Federations recently reviewed the status of the venues in Rio and have serious concerns, specifically about the gymnastics arena where power failures have been happening with alarming regularity.
The comments followed complaints raised by the gymnastics federation, known as FIG, which is holding its artistic gymnastics test event at Rio Olympic Arena this week.
FIG official Ron Froehlich cited power outages lasting from 15 to 90 minutes, putting at risk athletes’ safety and the scoring system, plus missing equipment at an underfunded temporary training venue.
“Most important, they have problems with regard to the Omega (scoring) system,” Froehlich said. “Furthermore, power outages while the athletes were performing, which is a very serious issue.”
Another issue was a the lack of quality flooring at a temporary training center venue. The reason? “Lack of funding.” Oh, good.
Olympic Solidarity Program general manager Agberto Guimaraes did what any good PR flack would do and said “I can assure you that the athletes will not have any problems in games time, nor any of you in your events.” Not so sure his assurances will assure anyone, but Brazil is sticking to the party line.
While the nation itself falls into political chaos, two IOC officials have been dispatched to Rio to monitor the final preparations for the games, which open in less than four months on August 5. There’s still time for most of the issues to be fixed, but the fact that so many issues still plague the venues is concern enough.
[AP]
