World Sailing Officials
Complete Final On-Site Review Of Olympic Preparations
With less than
75 days to go until the opening of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, World Sailing
Chief Executive Officer Andy Hunt and Head of Competitions Alastair Fox this
week participated in a final on-site review of preparations for the Olympic
Sailing Competition.
Briefings were provided over two days on key operational and service areas
for the Olympic Games, including venue construction, competition schedules,
broadcasting, media operations, accommodation, transportation and
ticketing. A detailed briefing was also provided on the continuing
efforts to improve water quality in and around Guanabara Bay, the venue for
Olympic Sailing.
The briefings were led by Rio 2016 Sport Sailing Manager, Walter Boddener,
and his operations team. Hunt and Fox were joined by Darryl Seibel, who
will serve as Chief Press Officer for World Sailing during the Rio 2016
Olympic Games.
The World Sailing delegation also met with Rio 2016 security officials to
learn more about steps that can be taken to increase safety for athletes and
coaches, particularly during pre-Games training periods. This advice
will be shared directly with World Sailing Member National Authorities,
according to Hunt.
"We appreciate the work being done by Rio 2016 and its partners to
welcome the best sailors from around the world for the 2016 Olympic Games,”
said Hunt. "Since our last visit in March, considerable progress
has been made in preparing for the Olympic Sailing Competition.
Construction at the Marina da Gloria is almost complete and the water quality
is noticeably better, particularly in the launch areas around the marina.
"During our review, we had an opportunity to meet with officials from
the Mayor's Office and leading environmental authorities to review their
latest water-quality data,” added Hunt. "The trend lines are
encouraging, but it will be important that not a single day is lost in
implementing the remaining measures that are planned, including the
installation of a series of new eco barriers.”
"Our primary focus is to make certain the field of play on Guanabara Bay
is safe and suitable for all Olympic competitors,” said Fox.
"Working with Rio 2016 and various governmental authorities, I'm
confident we have the right plan in place to deliver a field of play that is
safe and fair. Equally, as with every major sailing regatta, we have
detailed plans in place to respond and adapt should conditions change.”
The natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro will provide a spectacular backdrop for
sailing, which will enjoy a particularly bright spotlight during the upcoming
Olympic Games.
"Brazil has enjoyed tremendous success in Olympic sailing and athletes
such as Robert Scheidt, Torben Grael and Marcelo Ferreira hold a special
place in Brazil's sporting culture,” said Hunt. "Given this
history of success and the profile sailing enjoys in Brazil, it is our hope
that the beaches surrounding Guanabara Bay will become one of the truly special
places for fans during the Rio Games.”
Further Reading
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