Funding cuts affect Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

As the Summer 2016 Games come to a close tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming elite athletes with disabilities to the 2016 Paralympics beginning on September 7, 2016. Unfortunately, funding cuts will affect the Paralympic Games.  

Advance tickets sales failed to reach projection.  The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) made a difficult decision to close media centers, reduce Games workforce and transport services.  Deorodo Olympic Park will be closed and dismantled. 

Source: foundtheworld.com

"Never before in the 56-year history of the Paralympic Games have we faced circumstances like this," IPC President Philip Craven said. "Since becoming aware of the full scale of the problem, we have focused all of our efforts on finding solutions to the problems." Budget cuts will affect every team and their supporters. 

In response, Rio mayor Eduardo Paes pledged additional funding and will solicit corporate sponsorship in support of the Games. Travel grants to teams from 165 countries are overdue and may affect athletes timely arrival for training before competition. 

IPC is considering additional support to countries struggling to pay travel costs.  Craven said. "The IPC is working with them to find solutions and ensure their participation here in Rio." 

Source: www.theatlantic.com

Story source: AP Wire and Rob Harris at WacoTrib.com

Paralympic Team Travel Grants Held Up

Source: Around the Rings

Smaller state paralympic committees depend on travel grants to participate in Summer Paralympic Games. The Rio 2016 Organizing Committee has delayed payments of travel grants, but anticipates issuing funds by the end of August. 
A Brazilian judge issued an injunction blocking further use of funds for 2016 Summer Games until the Rio Organizing Committee cooperates by sharing budget and expenditures of public funds. 

Craig Spence, identified as a spokesperson for the International Paralympic Committee, stated “[The] extra funds are critical to the success of the Games.”  “This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are working every hour we can to not only source additional funding but look at how we can make further cost savings within the budget available.”

Source: www.channel4.com

In a related story, organizers report that only 12 percent of Paralympic tickets have been purchased. Rio's Mayor Eduardo Paes pledged to purchase 500,000 with public funds for distribution. 

Rio Communications Director Mario Andrada reportedly told journalists that ticket sales will increase after the Olympic Games end on Sunday.  
“We made these concerns public several ways during the journey,” Andrada said. “We understand the rhythm of sales has picked up, and the end of the Games tends to help a lot in the selling of tickets for Paralympics. That’s what we’re working on.”