Venue Changes Coming to Rio Olympics

2/20/2013

(ATR) IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli tells  Around the Rings  venue changes are coming for Rio 2016, including moving diving to Copacabana Beach. 
 

The view from Fort Copacabana. (ATR)

The change would give the sport a dramatic backdrop: the sands of Copacabana with iconic Sugarloaf. 

Felli says the change is waiting approval from FINA on the technical aspects of the temporary venue.

Felli spoke to  ATR  in an exclusive interview following the three-day Coordination Commission visit to the 2016 Olympics host city. 

He said other sports with possible venue changes include moving rugby to the Deodoro complex and putting hockey in a temporary venue. 

Felli said the International Rugby Board will discuss the move on March 14. He says the International Hockey Federation will come to Rio and make a decision at “the end of March.” 

Felli says he is confident that construction will start in April for the golf venue. The International Golf Federation says it is “very concerned” about the status of the course. Work has not begun on the course, which is caught up in legal disputes over ownership of the land. 
 

Gilbert Felli on Monday. (Rio 2016)

“It’s a recurrent discussion among everyone,” Felli said. He added that the last documents needing approval from Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes are expected to be signed by today. 

“April is the deadline by the international federation so that they can do test events and we have heard from the federation that they will start in April.”

With a little over three years until the Games, Felli said time is of the essence for Rio organizers. 

“The timetable is an important subject and a lot of construction is going on at the same time,” he said, adding the IOC now has “better knowledge” of the timeline for work. 
 

CEO Sidney Levy. (Rio 2016)

Felli expressed support for Sidney Levy, on the job for just one month as new CEO for Rio 2016.

“I have gotten a good impression. Sidney has a good understanding of what has been started and what we have to deliver for the Games,” said Felli.

In a statement announcing the end of the visit, the IOC underlined the need for speedy work from Rio, saying “a task of great magnitude” lies ahead of the organizers. There were five references to the amount of work, and decreasing amount of time left, to meet goals set for the Games. 

“We've seen solid progress this week,” said Commission Chair Nawal El Moutawakel. “Building work is ongoing and the Organizing Committee continues to strengthen its capacity. However, many projects will have to be delivered simultaneously. We remain confident but we must all stay vigilant and continue  to work hard, so that timelines are respected.”
 

Wearing yellow hard hats, Nawal El Moutawakel and Carlos Arthur Nuzman greet workers at the Maracanã stadium. (Rio 2016)

Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman added: “We are making strong progress in our journey and we are on track to deliver great Games for Rio, Brazil and the world to enjoy. We have worked hard to increase integration across the project and the vital engagement and support of the three levels of government is stronger than ever. 

“We are grateful for the expert advice and guidance received from the IOC Coordination Commission this week, and the Rio 2016 teams will continue to work relentlessly to deliver solutions for the outstanding issues and to respect the timelines involved in the project.”
 

Coordination Commission members pause for a group shot at the Maracana stadium. (Rio 2016)

The Coordination Commission will now make twice-yearly visits to Rio, with the next meeting scheduled for August. 

Two of the 19 members did not attend, IOC members Patrick Hickey and Sergey Bubka, while ex-London 2012 communications chief Jackie Brock-Doyle took part in her first meeting of the Co Comm.

Written by Ed Hula III.

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