Time is of the essence for Rio Olympic organizers, more than two years before the 2016 Olympics are set to begin, with a “crucial meeting” coming next week.
“We enter this crucial phase of our journey without a minute to lose, and certain that our partners in government share this vision,” Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, said in an International Olympic Committee (IOC) press release.
The IOC’s release said its coordination commission’s clear message to Rio organizers was “every second counts” in its sixth visit to the Brazilian host city this week. It mentioned a “necessary sense of urgency shared by all,” citing progress in constructing venues.
“The Rio 2016 Olympic Games have great potential for being a very exciting event which leaves many legacies,” said IOC Coordination Commission Chair Nawal El Moutawakel. “But although progress is being made, each decision that is postponed and each subsequent delay will have a negative impact on delivery. Total focus and dedication are therefore required.
“The Olympic Movement stakeholders will continue to actively and constructively assist the organizers towards their short and long-term objectives.”
What the IOC called a crucial meeting between federal authorities and key Games stakeholders is set for Brasilia on Thursday. There, it’s expected that Olympics-related project responsibilities and funding will be clarified to avoid further significant delays.
The commission said progress was made in several areas since its last visit in September, including finalizing the overall venue master plan and the integration of government efforts. It will visit again this September. The Rio Olympics open on Aug. 5, 2016.
