With 19 days to go until the start of the event, it has emerged that the organising committee have failed to raise the necessary funds to stage the Paralympics, with numerous problems caused by a lack of ticket sales due to Brazil’s economic problems.
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Now it has been confirmed the workforce which has been in place over the past two weeks of Olympic action in Rio will be reduced for the Paralympics in an attempt to cut costs while a number of media centers will be closed.
“Never before in the 56-year history of the Paralympic Games have we faced circumstances like this”, said Craven.
The International Paralympic Committee said it had sought to reduce costs over the past year and the new, deeper “major budget cuts” will affect every team and visitors to the Games.
“The money will be used mainly in services and for clients and athletes, travel grants, food – everything we need to do to make sure the athletes have their best”, Rio organizing committee spokesman Mario Andrada said Thursday.
“London 2012 proudly showed the world what was possible and we want Rio to be the next stage of that positive journey”, the British Paralympic Association said. The wheelchair fencing will move from the Youth Arena in Deodoro to the Olympic Park, allowing organisers to begin dismantling the common areas.
Temer, who was booed at the opening ceremony of the Olympics, has limited his attendance of further events.
This could impact the countries’ ability to participate at Rio 2016 and some athletes were even set to arrive as early as August 31st.
The UK’s official Paralympic broadcaster, Channel 4, remains hopeful of a successful Games despite the cuts, with a spokesperson telling The Drum: “We are focussed on delivering fantastic coverage of the Rio Paralympics to UK audiences”.
“We want full participation here. It’s what the athletes deserve and it is what the athletes want after years of training and dedication”. “They have dedicated their lives to reaching these Games and we will do our utmost to try and maintain the service levels and scope that they expect at a Paralympic Games”.
Mr Harbison welcomed yesterday’s clarification but said the shortfall in funding, and particularly ticket sales, is “extremely disappointing”. However, we hope the passion of the Brazilian people and their desire to support and see Brazilian athletes win medals will see them turn out en-masse.
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It is a damper on an incredible unparalleled sports event that soared in London 2012 and the IPC has been working hard to maintain the momentum of growth and interest in the Paralympics.
