Olympic officials remain optimistic despite ‘tight schedule’ for Rio

As they scramble to prepare for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, Brazilian officials have received a vote of confidence from Olympic officials.

The International Olympic Committee concluded a three-day visit on Wednesday, having inspected numerous venues including two Olympic parks, the Olympic village and the official golf course,

“We remain confident that, despite a very tight schedule, our Brazilian partners will deliver successful Games,” said Nawal El Moutawakel, chair of the IOC’s coordination commission.

Rio 2016 has been beset by construction delays, civic unrest and governmental chaos. Water pollution at the site of the sailing events remains a significant concern.

Earlier this year, the IOC issued a stern warning to organizers and dispatched a top executive to monitor the situation.

“As we enter the final two years of preparations, we are able to see that the core works are progressing at full speed, particularly in venue construction, where we have been receiving solid development reports,” El Moutawakel said.

The Brazilians still have many hurdles to overcome. Dozens of hotels must be constructed and organizers must be ready to hold 44 test events in various sports over the next two years.