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IOC confident amid Rio Olympic Games visit

International Olympic Committee boss Thomas Bach is confident in the ongoing preparations for the Rio Games.

IOC President Thomas Bach

IOC boss Thomas Bach is confident in the ongoing preparations for the Rio Games. (AAP)

IOC president Thomas Bach has expressed his confidence in the ongoing preparations for the Rio Olympic Games which begin on August 5.

The International Olympic Committee boss Bach visited the Olympic Park in Barra da Tijuca in western Rio late on Tuesday, accompanied by interim Brazilian president Michel Temer.

"After meeting with President Temer, I am more confident that these Olympic Games will be outstanding," Bach said.

Afterwards, Temer assured the Rio organisers they could count on the support of the government.

"We will not only help with words but also with financial needs," he said.

The IOC recently expressed concern about the delayed completion of the Olympic velodrome as well as budget cuts for the Rio Games.

There also are lingering concerns from outsiders about the dangerous zika virus in Brazil as well as the unstable political situation since Dilma Rousseff was dismissed as Brazil's president.

Bach refused to address the latter issue, saying: "The Olympic Games are not about politics".

He intends on staying in Brazil until Thursday.


1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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