IT is rather like the opening night of a play. There is utter chaos and then things just fall into place and the curtain goes up and everyone knows their lines and the show goes on. Much in the same way in the next 48 hours the Rio Olympics will rise above the critics and the crises and put the best of human endeavor on display.
Indeed, there have been unusual issues, not least of them the Zika problem and the fact that it is a disease that even the common mosquito can carry. Close on that fear was the contaminated water in the pools and facilities for the water sports. Unfinished rooms and facilities in the Games Village have also teed off some of the teams and the absence of the Russians dents the US-China challenge considerably.
Although Rio is trying to put its best foot forward and despite its political crisis in the impeachment of its President Dilma Roussef adding to the murky mix the odds are the spectacle will be memorable for all the good things.
The one factor that could detract from the “fun” city and the carnival atmosphere for which Rio is famous is the street gangs and crime. We can only hope that the authorities have ensured the safety of visitors and put the gangs on notice.
The general financial recession is not helping any and truly, the difference between success and a failure in the next fortnight will depend on how well the organization has been handled and all contingencies planned for. If the weather turns foul the fear of the infrastructure grinding to a halt is also pretty worrying but history has shown that most extravaganzas have these opening night jitters but the enthusiasm of the people and the presence of the athletes carry the day.
And that is indeed the big hurdle. Rio’s population is less than excited about these games and if the people do not show up things could become a bit dull.
The run up to the preparations has not been very heartening but the tone will be set when Saudi Arabia-based sports fans wake up at 0200 hours Friday night to watch the games begin.
For the sake of the five-colored rings and the grandeur of the Olympics here is wishing Rio the best of luck.
Indeed, there have been unusual issues, not least of them the Zika problem and the fact that it is a disease that even the common mosquito can carry. Close on that fear was the contaminated water in the pools and facilities for the water sports. Unfinished rooms and facilities in the Games Village have also teed off some of the teams and the absence of the Russians dents the US-China challenge considerably.
Although Rio is trying to put its best foot forward and despite its political crisis in the impeachment of its President Dilma Roussef adding to the murky mix the odds are the spectacle will be memorable for all the good things.
The one factor that could detract from the “fun” city and the carnival atmosphere for which Rio is famous is the street gangs and crime. We can only hope that the authorities have ensured the safety of visitors and put the gangs on notice.
The general financial recession is not helping any and truly, the difference between success and a failure in the next fortnight will depend on how well the organization has been handled and all contingencies planned for. If the weather turns foul the fear of the infrastructure grinding to a halt is also pretty worrying but history has shown that most extravaganzas have these opening night jitters but the enthusiasm of the people and the presence of the athletes carry the day.
And that is indeed the big hurdle. Rio’s population is less than excited about these games and if the people do not show up things could become a bit dull.
The run up to the preparations has not been very heartening but the tone will be set when Saudi Arabia-based sports fans wake up at 0200 hours Friday night to watch the games begin.
For the sake of the five-colored rings and the grandeur of the Olympics here is wishing Rio the best of luck.
