International sports federations admit concern over Olympic venues
By Associated Press
Last Updated: 19/04/16 11:43am
International sports federations have expressed concern over problems with venues for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Members of the Association of Olympic International Sports Federations reviewed preparations for the Games, which open in less than four months on August 5.
"They miss some very important details in each field of play," ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said at the group's annual meeting.
Bitti told delegates that IOC President Thomas Bach "is worried like you, like me," about details for Rio.
The comments followed complaints raised by the gymnastics federation, known as FIG, which is holding its artistic gymnastics test event at Rio Olympic Arena this week.
FIG official Ron Froehlich cited power outages, putting at risk athletes' safety and the scoring system, plus missing equipment at an underfunded temporary training venue.
"Most important, they have problems with regard to the Omega (scoring) system," Froehlich said. "Furthermore, power outages while the athletes were performing, which is a very serious issue."
The absence of flooring at a training centre was "due to lack of funding," he said.
Earlier, ASOIF director general Andrew Ryan disclosed that two top IOC officials will travel to Rio soon to work more closely on preparations.
Christophe Dubi, the Olympic Games executive director, and sports director Kit McConnell are "moving permanently" to the host city, Ryan said.
Dubi's predecessor, Gilbert Felli, was assigned to work with local organisers two years ago amid growing concerns about Rio's readiness.
