Rio Games: Sailing Venue Ramp Damaged

The main ramp of Marina da Gloria, the sailing venue of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, partially collapsed on Saturday (July 30). Organizers said no one was injured in the incident that raises further questions about the quality of construction in the Olympic host city.

Philip Wilkinson, a spokesman for the Rio 2016 organizing committee, placed the blame on high tides and a stormy sea. The collapsed structure, which is temporary, is the main access point for boats to reach the water.

Wilkinson also said the construction company responsible for the project has been contacted and is expected to make the repairs within four days. Sailing competitions begin Aug. 8.

Training will not be affected as the boats can use the permanent ramp to the side of the damaged structure, the Rio 2016’s spokesman said.

International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams “it would be wrong to make a great deal” of the Marina da Gloria incident. “In the run-up to the games, things happen,” Adams said.

World Sailing said in a statement that it is following closely the efforts to fix the ramp. Spokesman Malcolm Page said that a coach boat pontoon was also damaged on Saturday.

Source: Associated Press

How to follow the Olympics… click here.