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On The Ground in Rio

Countries Risk Missing Paralympics As Rio Organizers Have Yet To Deliver Travel Grants

With the Rio Organizing Committee yet to deliver $7.5M-$8M in travel grants to the Int’l Paralympic Committee, IPC Dir of Media & Communications Craig Spence said almost a third of the countries participating in next month’s Paralympics are at risk of missing the Games. The Rio 2016 organizers said the funds, which are two weeks late, would be paid by the end of the month. The travel funds are vital for up to 40 countries with lower budgets that have yet to book flights to Brazil.

“With one month to go, tickets will only get more expensive,” Spence told SBD Global. “Bigger countries will be able to secure the funding themselves, but it would leave an unwanted hole in their budgets.” Spence said without the funds, the IPC would have to look at possible cuts in media transportation as well as close down some media centers during the event. Spence said there could also be a reduction in transportation and food for athletes if the funds are not received.

The late delivery in travel funding comes amid reports that Rio 2016 Organizers have tapped into funds reserved for the Paralympics to cover excess costs for the Olympics. After Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes met with IPC President Philip Craven, IPC VP Andrew Parsons and IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez, Paes said he is confident that the R$150M ($47.2M) will be delivered to cover the cost of the Paralympics. However, due to a judge’s injunction, the organizing committee is forbidden from accessing any public funds unless all of its financial details are made public.

Spence said that in addition to urging the organizing committee to make its funds public, Craven met with senior government officials in Brasilia on Monday to highlight the country’s commitment to hosting not one, but two major sporting events. In response to the delays, the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee insists it will deliver. Rio 2016 spokesperson Mario Andrada told The Wall Street Journal, “We gave travel grants to the Olympic athletes and we will give travel grants to the Paralympic athletes. We will fund it with our money. We’re looking for sponsorship and we’re looking for government support.” The IPC said that it too is seeking additional sponsors to step in and help secure funding. “This is a real opportunity for a sponsor to come and be the saving grace for the Paralympics,” Spence said.

The IPC also is dealing with disappointing ticket sales, with the London Times reporting only 29% being sold so far.

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