Olympic officials insist Rio is ready for Summer Games

International Olympic Committee officials have completed their final visit to Rio de Janeiro, insisting that – despite numerous problems – the city is ready to host the massive, 17-day sporting event.

“From views of the Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain to the new state-of-the-art facilities in Barra or Deodoro and the iconic Maracanã Stadium and Copacabana Beach, I cannot imagine more spectacular backdrops for the world’s top sportsmen and women to showcase their talents to a watching world,” Nawal El Moutawakel, head of the IOC’s coordination commission, said Monday.

The Brazilian metropolis has been hit by civil and political unrest, a troubled economy, water pollution and the Zika virus outbreak.

Still, El Moutawakel noted that Rio has successfully conducted 44 test events and that all venues will be ready when athletes begin arriving in about two weeks.

Transportation and security have also been of concern.

Brazilian officials have been testing critical rail and bus lines which they say will soon be fully operational. The city will be patrolled by a total of 85,000 security personnel.

As for pollution in coastal waters where sailors and swimmers will compete, El Moutawakel said the installation of specialized piping has resulted in improved water-quality readings.

Numerous media reports have suggested that raw sewage continues to be prevalent at Guanabara Bay and other locations.

“A lot of work lies ahead of us but we have plenty of energy,” said Carlos Arthur Guzman, head of Rio’s organizing committee. “We will deliver great Games.”

The Olympics are scheduled to begin on Aug. 5.

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