Organizers for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro recently announced that a dispute with FINA, the organization tasked with administering international aquatics competitions, over the construction of an aquatic facility, is being resolved.
In a letter that was sent last month by FINA president Julio Maglione to Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes and the Olympic organizing committee, Maglione criticized many aspects of the aquatic competition preparations. The president specifically mentioned an issue concerning the development of the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park. The facility, which will hold a number of aquatic competitions, including water polo and diving, does not have a roof. Without a roof both competitors and spectators will be exposed to the elements, and the letter warns that the “the weather conditions may influence not only the athletes’ performances, but more importantly their health and safety.”
Without giving specific details, Mario Andrada, a spokesman for the Rio 2016 Committee, revealed that, “in a couple of weeks we are going to find a solution” to the situation.
