2016 Summer Olympics fast approaching amid final preparations and more cutbacks

The countdown to the 2016 Summer Olympics hit 200 days on Monday with organizers announcing their “home stretch” preparations amid continued talk of cutbacks.

Dozens of test events will take place in coming months as workers complete venues in Rio de Janeiro. Tickets will be printed starting in February.

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On April 21, the Olympic flame will commence its journey to Brazil from Olympia, Greece, and rehearsals for the opening and closing ceremonies will begin the following month.

At the same time, Rio 2016 officials are continuing to look for ways to trim their budget in a country hit hard by economic woes.

Temporary seating at some venues could be reduced or eliminated and there will be fewer volunteers than planned. Organizers recently backed away from talk of making the visiting teams pay for air conditioning at the Olympic Village.

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This will be the first time the Games have been held in South America. Approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 nations are expected to arrive for competition beginning Aug. 5.

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