Rio 2016: Public funds expected to support Paralympics

Fears of reductions in the number of sports, or of an entire cancellation of the Paralympics altogether, have emerged due to major budget deficits and missing cash-flows between Rio 2016 organisers and participating National Paralympic Committees. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, Sir Philip Craven, says that he has received guarantees from Rio mayor, Eduardo Paes, over covering the costs of the Paralympic Games.

"This morning he reaffirmed his support to the Paralympics and said he was prepared to deliver BRL 150 million to ensure the success of the Games,” said Sir Phillip on August 15^th.

However, a court ruling, made by Judge Marcia Maria Nunes last week, forbids organisers from using public funds unless they make public their financial details. Rio 2016 organisers have not shown intentions of complying with the court ruling. Sir Phillip Craven urges the organisers to comply stating that;

"The hurdle to this solution is that there is currently an injunction on any further public funding from Municipal and Federal Governments going towards the Games unless the Rio 2016 Organising Committee make available full financial spending details.”

"Clearly, the simplest and easiest way round this is for the Rio 2016 Organising Committee to be open and transparent with its financial records in order to allow this additional funding to come in."

Sir Phillip Craven has expressed his concerns over the situation which, according to him is “critical”. Sir Craven, however, insists that there is no chance of sports being cut from the programme, nor is there a risk of the Games being cancelled.