The Commission reviewed all the areas that are "presenting concerns or that require particular attention", with construction and accommodation being looked at "very closely" following widespread criticism over slow progress in recent months.

Although the IOC admitted the schedule remains tight for completion ahead of the Games in less than two years' time, it said Rio 2016 is advancing "full speed ahead" with venue development and the construction of 68 new hotels, and claimed it has the situation under control.

It also welcomed the presence of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on its venue tour, which included visits to the Olympic golf course, the Olympic Village, the Deodoro Olympic Park, and the Barra Olympic Park.

Dilma Rousseff accompanied the IOC Coordination Commission on its venues tour in Rio ©Getty Images


"We leave Rio satisfied with the progress that has been made since our visit last March," Coordination Commission chair Nawal El Moutawakel said.

"The strong commitment of the Brazilian authorities to the success of the Rio 2016 Games has been underlined to us by the presence of President Rousseff during our visit to the Olympic Park yesterday.

"We remain confident that, despite a very tight schedule, our Brazilian partners will deliver successful Games.

"As we enter the final two years of preparations, we are able to see that the core works are progressing at full speed, particularly in venue construction, where we have been receiving solid development reports.

"We were also able to see first-hand the advancements being made, during our venue tour on Tuesday.

"Rio 2016 has begun to engage in earnest with the public this winter and we were able to take stock of what has already been done.

"We were pleased to hear that this engagement will continue with upcoming events like ticket sign-up, mascot launch, the Cultural Olympiad and test events."

The IOC heard from Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes, Rio State Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão and General Fernando Azevedo E Silva from the Olympic Public Authority about the Games legacy, which for every BRL1 (£0.25/$0.40/€0.32) spent on venue construction will see BRL5 (£1.25/$2/€1.60) being spent on projects, including three bus rapid transit lines, a new metro, improved sanitation system coverage, better flood control, a city operations centre and the regeneration of the city's port area.

In addition, they reiterated their commitment to delivering the venues on time and with no "white elephants".

The Coordination Commission also received updates on areas such as athlete and National Olympic Committee services, sport and International Federation services, media operations, spectators, transport, test events, marketing and the Paralympic Games.

Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Rio 2016’s first test event, earlier this year
©Getty Images


Having now hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Rio 2016 World Press Briefing and the Rio 2016 World Broadcasters Meeting, the next big milestone for the Organising Committee is the delivery of what the IOC dubbed an "ambitious" test event programme for 44 sports.

"Our commitment to our mission of organising excellent Games with memorable celebrations remains intact," Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of Rio 2016, said.

"With the IOC's guidance and the help of our sponsors, we have the confidence we need.

"It is very rewarding when we look around and see our partners from the city, state and federal Governments, building the Games with us."

The IOC Coordination Commission will return to Rio in February next year.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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