Olympics: Organizers in Rio Games assurance

Rio De Janeiro: The organisers of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games has countered criticism of slow preparations with an assurance that they would deliver the event on time and within budget.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed concerns for months at sluggish preparations for South America`s first-ever Olympiad and yesterday vice-president John Coates said there was "critical concern". But the Local Organising Committee (LOC) insisted in a statement they would deliver their "historic mission" with IOC support, adding they were fully focused on their task. "We have a historic mission: to organise the first Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brazil and in South America. We are going to achieve this." However, the LOC stressed that "the support of the International Olympic Committee is also crucial. "In 2016, Rio will host excellent Games that will be delivered absolutely within the agreed timelines and budgets," the LOC said in response to Coates` criticism of preparations he said were "the worst I have experienced". Coates earlier told an Olympic Forum in Sydney the IOC had been forced to take "unprecedented" action, embedding experts in the Organising Committee to ensure the Games go ahead. Coates noted many facilities in Rio have yet to be completed owing to construction delays and soaring costs which forced the IOC earlier this month to compile a list of urgent recommendations, including the creation of three task forces. He also decried poor co-ordination between different levels of government. But organizers retorted: "The work being undertaken in partnership with the three levels of government -- federal, state and city -- is delivering progress." They added: "The recent announcement of the budget for infrastructure and legacy projects, in addition to the launch of the tender process for the Deodoro Olympic Park venues, were crucial developments and unequivocal signs of progress." They added: "It is time for us to focus on the work to be done and on engaging with society."