Sports federations briefed on leaner 2016 Summer Olympics

Olympic leaders have met with the international federations from every summer sport to discuss cutbacks at the upcoming 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

With Brazil facing a significant economic downturn, organizers are looking to trim as much as $500 million from their $1.9-billion operating budget.

That could mean less money for the volunteer program and non-essential infrastructure, including fewer spectator bleachers at some venues.

An IOC spokeswoman described the talks as “a positive working meeting.”

“The international federations particularly appreciated the update from the Rio organizers on Games preparations and the openness with regard to individual situations,” the spokesperson said.

Matt Smith, executive director of the International Rowing Federation, told insidethegames.com: “We have been totally committed to help Rio 2016 prepare these Games.”