IOC Commission has welcomed Rio de Janeiro’s preparations for the Olympic Games

As a result of the visit to Rio de Janeiro, the capital of the XXXI Olympic Summer Games, the IOC Coordination Commission has noted that significant progress had been made in constructing sports facilities, realizing the ticketing programme, teaching volunteers and establish the route of the Olympic Torch Relay.

Within three days the IOC delegation led by President Thomas Bach has held several meetings with the representatives of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee and the Ministry of Sport of Brazil and attended the President Rousseff’s reception.

“Today we see that Rio has made significant progress in preparing for the 2016 Games. Everything that a year ago existed only on paper is being brought to life now. The changes that have taken place could be called ‘amazing’, – said Thomas Bach.

IOC Coordination Commission Chair Nawal El Moutawakel shares his opinion.

Rio 2016 Organizing Committee has really made a major step forward. However the most intense preparation phase is about to start now. We must be sure that Olympic facilities will be commissioned on schedule and test competitions will be held there this year”, – said Nawal El Moutawakel.

Aside from inspection part of the visit the IOC members have given a few master classes for the students of the Rio de Janeiro sports schools. Sergey Bubka, Olympic champion 1988 in Pole-jumping, showed the young athletes the correct way to prepare for the jump and Nawal El Moutawakel, Olympic champion 1984 in women’s 400 meters hurdles showed the ideal technique to clear hurdles.

“Nobody is born an Olympic champion. Only those concentrated on the goal become champions. For the children who are only starting their way, such master classes are a good idea”, – said Sergey Bubka.

Next time the IOC Coordination Commission will visit Rio de Janeiro in Auugust 2015.