Rio De Janeiro, April 14 (IANS) Rio de Janeiro is on track to host an Olympic Games that will make Brazil proud as organisers enter the final straight in their preparations for the quadrennial event, a top International Olympic Committee (IOC) official said on Wednesday.
The prediction came as the IOC’s coordination commission undertook its final visit of the city before the games begin on August 5, reports Xinhua.
“The last stretch is always the hardest,” IOC coordination commission chairwoman Nawal El Moutawakel said. “We believe that Rio 2016 will make the host nation proud.”
Unlike the World Cup in Brazil two years ago, Rio’s Olympic preparations have been largely bereft of controversy about delayed venue and infrastructure works.
With more than three months remaining until the opening ceremony, the track cycling velodrome is the only venue not ready.
El Moutawakel said Brazil’s economic recession would have no impact on the success of the games.
“We are advanced with our own work …. and that has not had an impact because the preparations are on schedule,” El Moutawakel said.
The Rio Games – the first Olympics in South America – will run from August 5 to 21. It will be followed by the Paralympics from September 7-18.
