IOC President Thomas Bach expressed confidence Sunday in the ability of Brazilian authorities to protect next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro "in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris," according to Stephen Wilson of the AP. With the Games nine months away, the bomb and gun attacks in the French capital "will raise concerns over the safety of athletes and fans at the Olympics." The Islamic State group "claimed responsibility for Friday's attacks." Bach said, "We have confidence in the Brazilian authorities and in the international cooperation of their security agencies. I'm sure all these international services will make all efforts to protect the Olympic Games from these kinds of terrorist attacks." Security will be among the issues discussed when IOC officials travel to Rio in the coming days for their latest "project review" of Olympic preparations. The Games, the first in South America, "start on Aug. 5." The attacks in Paris came at a time when the French capital "is bidding to host the 2024 Olympics." Bach said that the attacks "should not harm the Paris bid." Bach: "We have to take into consideration we are talking about Olympic Games nine years from now. Terrorism is international. Terrorism is not restricted to Paris or France. It’s an international challenge. Terrorism is not restricted to sports events. We could sadly see in Paris it affects any kind of gathering" (AP, 11/15). A statement from Bach in an IOC press release said, "These attacks are deeply shocking. The IOC condemns these barbaric and cowardly acts. This is not only an attack on the people of France and Paris, this is an attack on humanity and all humanitarian and Olympic values. ... In these dark times, we should remember the unifying power of sport to unite people and communities and to bring peace and reconciliation. Today all people of good will will say: 'We are all French'" (Int'l Olympic Committee).
