(Newswire.net — April 15, 2016) — We’re just four months away from the 2016 Summer Olympic Games being held in Rio de Janeiro, and more than a few athletes, coaches, and organizations have raised their concerns about Rio’s failed promises.
When they made their bid to host the Olympics back in 2012, the Olympic Committee made a list of changes they planned to make to prepare the city for the Games. It included a sustainable facility, Olympic-grade venues for each of the events, a clean water plant, and several other items related to health and safety.
However, their list has been reviewed, and the results aren’t great. Some of the major concerns were in their control, while others can’t be helped. Either way, ticket prices for the Games are already falling way behind the target. Only about 47 percent of the 7.5 million tickets available have been sold, which makes up 74 percent of the target goal. Efforts are being made to increase the ticket sales, including electronic ticket kiosks around the city and more widespread marketing tactics, but officials recognize that health and safety concerns may be at the heart of the matter.
As the August 5th opening ceremonies date rapidly approaches, the Brazilian organization is scrambling to solve their issues and bring more people to the games. Here are some of the biggest concerns plaguing the event.
Zika Outbreak
With the Zika virus more prevalent than ever, athletes and spectators are becoming concerned about visiting the country. This mosquito-borne virus is rarely fatal and has very few lasting effects on most people; but for pregnant women, the stakes are much higher. The Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly; a condition that causes the children of pregnant women to be born with abnormally small heads. The virus is most prevalent in South America, which is why concerns are high as of now.
Of course, this epidemic is out of organizers’ control, but the concern is still valid. The CDC is recommending that women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant not travel to the Games this year.
Water Contamination
Among the list of promises Brazil made, cleaner water facilities were at the top of the list. However, the problem has barely improved. In December, tests showed that the water throughout Brazil was often contaminated, indicating that any efforts made to purify the water were largely unsuccessful.
Since that time, progress has been made, but there’s still widespread concern about the issue. Rio organizers say they’re confident that the water is in good enough condition for athletes to compete, but there are still skeptics concerned due to floating garbage in the bay and bacteria transferred through tap water. Several athletes and coaches have expressed their concerns about competing in an area with questionable water quality.
Economic Standing
Brazil’s economy is also struggling immensely right now, which has raised many concerns about possible negative effects, including poverty, high crime rates, and dishonest vendors. Brazil is currently spouting the worst set of figures since 1990.
In short, Brazil may not have the funds to carry out the majority of promises they made when making a bid for the games. Without funds, a more sustainable, health conscious, and safe environment for the Games will be difficult to achieve.
Unfinished Venues
Amidst the economic crisis and pollution concerns, Rio has been struggling with protesting workers angry about the costs and pollution that have come out of building Rio’s Olympic Park. As a result, many of the venues, including those for track and field, swimming, cycling, and the international media center have not been completed. There are also issues with the transportation renovation throughout the city.
Overall, Rio has a long way to go before they’re declared fit to host the Olympic Games. The odds of organizers moving the games to a different venue aren’t likely, but it may not be as much of a success as previous events.