IOC inspectors praise Rio progress

RIO DE JANEIRO: An Olympic inspection team praised Rio de Janeiro’s preparations for the 2016 Games on Wednesday but warned that the Brazilian city faced a challenging final year as the countdown to next year’s extravaganza begins.
Nawal El Moutawakel, head of the International Olympic Committee’s inspection delegation, said she had been satisfied with progress made for the games but said Rio faced an “intense” sprint down the home straight.
“I am delighted that we have seen very solid progress during the 8th coordination commission of the IOC,” El Moutawakel told reporters as inspectors wrapped up a three-day visit.
Moutawakel said IOC president Thomas Bach, who had also been in Rio this week, was satisfied with the progress of preparations. “He was also pleased with the advances that have been made here in Rio,” she said.