IOC VP asks for end to criticism of Rio Olympics

International Olympic Committee Vice-President John Coates spoke at the Australian Olympic Committee’s meeting, discussing the importance of keeping a positive outlook on the upcoming Rio Games. According to The Australian, Rio’s organizers have received lots of criticism lately due to the difficulties in the set-up with the Games. For example, the Olympic village and the Olympic Park are split up across the city, which creates difficulties for spectators.

Leandro Negre asked the international committees to abstain from continuing to criticize Rio’s committee, as it is important to shed a positive light on the city with the upcoming Olympic Games: “The message we have received from the IOC is that you have to say everything is fine because if you don’t say that you will create bigger problems,”. Negre communicated that the criticism would only cripple the city further, and it’s important to show optimism for the city as preparations for the games are finalized.

In addition to difficulties with the Olympic venues being separated, Rio has faced criticism from others due to other problems with preparations for the games. For instance, in May of 2015, the Rio Olympic construction workers went on strike, refusing to continue working without a raise. Another problem includes the mosquito infestation that has taken place in the Olympic warm-up pool, which is a threat to athletes because of the Zika virus that is spread by mosquitoes.

The construction of the venues has also been behind schedule, which will affect both spectators and athletes. For example, the water polo venue has been delayed and will not be ready in time for the games in August. Also, because the venues are split across the city, spectators will have to travel a large distance. There was supposed to be a motorway and a train built to transport spectators to the different venues, but will not be ready in time for the games.

In addition to these problems, some of the key venues for the games do not have running water or electricity, and the budget for Rio is tight, forcing the IOC to make cuts, including dropping the amount of volunteers and eliminating expenses such as having TVs in the athletes’ rooms at the Olympic village. Four moths out from the games, only half of the tickets have been purchased due to the country’s current political turbulence, and traveler’s concerns for their own safety.

Because of these issues, Rio has received outcries of criticism from fans, athletes, and other countries’ Olympic committees.

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