Rio organisers trumpet efficiency at halfway point of Olympics

The Rio Olympic Games has reached halfway point and organisers said the general operations are stable, highlighting their ability to react to and solve problems.

"First days, we have problems in security check. The entrance has lots of people waiting. Then comes the food and beverage, transportation. But we fixed them all," Mario Andrada, spokesman of the Rio 2016's organising committee said, reports Xinhua.

"From the operational perspective, the mark of the first half was our ability to react to and solve problems."

Andrada said the experience in the venue has been good and the majority of spectators come to the Olympic Games by public transportation.

"All the venues are ready. The brand new velodrome has several world records. Everybody said the velodrome and the subway will not be ready, but now they are ready," he added.

Regarding security, Andrada insisted the security force is doing great job. "They did control the explosion in Carioca 1. In Deodoro the situation is totally under control after the media bus was attacked by stones."

"Rio is a complex city in the eyes of foreigners. But we have enough security force to control the Games."

Going into the second half of the Olympics, Andrada said organisers have to keep the current momentum going.

"We are going to have team medals, live site at Olympic Park with more attractions. We need more volunteers and give them better conditions."

According to Andrada, the closing ceremony will be a follow-up of the opening ceremony.

--IANS

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