Brazil Must Improve Construction "Rhythm"; IOC Reacts to Decision

Rebelo Concerned About World Cup Venues

Brazil’s sports minister sounded alarm bells over the pace of construction at six of the World Cup venues for next year’s event.

Sao Paulo’s new stadium, which will host the opening match on July 13, is reportedly 84 percent complete. Five other venues aren’t even 80 percent complete. Those venues are in: Manaus, Curitiba, Cuiaba, Porto Alegre and Natal. FIFA requirements say the venues must be ready by the end of the year, with only Sao Paulo set to be completed in time.

"This must be seen as a warning. We cannot keep on the same rhythm, or we will not deliver them on time," Rebelo was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"It is possible to intensify. We are able to meet the deadlines, but it should be noted that it will require us to speed up the construction."

"There will be no budget increase, because, for example, instead of paying 10 workers during two months, you can pay 20 to work for 30 days,"

His concerns represent half of the stadia set to be used during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Organizers of the 2014 World Cup—and 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro—have repeatedly been warned by authorities to pick up the pace of construction related to their events.

IOC Reacts to Government Decision

The IOC is maintaining its previous position about a controversial Russian law that is viewed as discriminatory against homosexuals.

On Monday, Russia’s Interior Ministry said it would enforce the law during the Games, despite conflicting claims from officials that it would not. Under the law, foreigners accused of spreading gay "propaganda" could face deportation or jail time.

A spokesperson for the IOC said to Around the Rings its previous statements are "still valid."

"We have received assurances from the Russian government but have asked for some clarification," he said. He reiterated a past IOC statement that "the Games themselves should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and of course athletes. We would oppose in the strongest terms any move that would jeopardise this principle."

Rio Headquarters Gets LEDs

Rio 2016’s headquarters is the first building in Brazilto feature GE LED light fixtures.

A statement released from GE on Tuesday says around 3000 "Troffers" were installed in the building which will use less energy than other light fixtures. The statement said Rio 2016 plans to save nearly $500,000 using the lights.

Following the Games, the LED fixtures will be available for future use promoting sustainability in Brazil.

"The headquarters of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016 is a project that seeks to use best practices in the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and solutions, creating an important and lasting legacy for the Brazilian society," Leonardo Gryner, Rio 2016 COO said in the statement.

GE said the fixtures will make Rio 2016’s headquarters "a benchmark in the search for more efficient solutions in the sports field."

Jesse Owens Medal for Sale

A gold medal from one of the most legendary Olympians is heading to the auction block.

SCP Auctions will sell one of Jesse Owens four gold medals from the 1936 Berlin Olympics at its November auction.

NBC’s "OlympicTalk" blog says SCP Auctions managing director Dan Imler is uncertain which event its from—either the 100m, 200m, 4x100m or long jump.

"To me, this is the most historically significant medal that’s ever been found (to be sold)," was quoted. "I would think we’re talking about several hundred thousand dollars."

Sochi Tickets on Sale

Sochi 2014 released tickets to the Four Nations sledge hockey tournament.

The tournament will serve as a test event for sledge hockey.

Russia, the Czech Republic, Canada, and Norway will participate.

The Tournament will take place August 27 to September 1 at the Shayba Arena in Sochi.

Written by Ed Hula III and Aaron Bauer.

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