Paralympics Games In Chaos After Huge Budget Cuts

The Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games have come to a close, and after two weeks of sporting glory, tears and energy exerted, hundreds of athletes from all over the world can go home with their heads held high – with fantastic new world records and medal triumphs set by some, and a final farewell to the Games for others – among them the now-legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, having earned his ninth gold medal in Brazil, US swimmer Michael Phelps and Great Britain’s Mo Farah, who bows out of the Olympic Games after earning his fourth sprinting gold. It can hardly be said that it is a Games that has been uninteresting – for a number of reasons.

The Paralympic Games, an equivalent competition for disabled athletes the world over, traditionally starts up shortly after the climax of the main Games. This year is no different – however, it has emerged that it will go ahead with considerable financial reparations in place, as some sources state that money had ‘run out’ to be spent on the Paralympic equivalent of the Games.

It has been stated that such cutbacks to the Paralympic Games will include park and venue closures, along with a drastic shortening of transport services and a complete review of available space leftover from the Summer Games. It is also noted that there may be cuts to some staffing, meaning that the events may struggle – after a hugely successful run at London 2012.

The downsizing of the Paralympic Games comes as a result of knock-on problems experienced by Brazil’s national economy, and as a result of around 12% of tickets reported to have been sold. While security staff and measures will remain as standard for the Games, there is some concern over whether or not certain Olympic teams will be able to afford to attend the events at all – despite the fact that a considerable overall grant and financial assistance to athletes will be offered.

The Paralympic Games will, however, go ahead as normal despite condemnation from some quarters of the financial cuts that are being made. The Games made news recently as it was revealed that an outright ban on Russian athletes would be upheld in light of evidence showing doping was widely carried out, and in light of allegations that such drug use was in fact state-sponsored. The Games will start in September, and it will remain to be seen in similar glories found at London 2012 will be replicated in Rio.