NGO Says No to Rio Bay Cleanup

(ATR) A prominent Rio de Janeiro environmental organization has declined to help clean up Guanabara Bay.

The AP reported that Instituto Rumo Nautico was approached by the state of Rio de Janeiro with a $6.3 million contract to work on removing garbage from Guanabara Bay, the sailing venue for the 2016 Games.

Instituto Rumo Nautico is co-founded by Olympic sailor Lars Grael, who said the board of the organization unanimously turned down the contract because of "institutional risks." The contract called for the group to use "eco-boats" to help remove floating trash from the bay.

In Rio’s bid book, the organizing committee promised an 80 percent treatment of sewage flowing into the bay ahead of the Games, but reports show that the city is most likely going to miss the target.

State environmental secretary Andre Correa said that despite the decision, the state will press onwards to explore every possible solution.

"No effort will be spared and we'll join forces so that this year's test event takes place within the expected [water quality] levels, as last year's did," Correa said in a statement.

A sailing test event took place without incident in August 2014. A second test event is scheduled for this coming August.

Favela Protest

Residents of the Vila Autodromo favela blocked traffic today to protest the construction of the Olympic Park.

The small favela is located on the edges of where the Olympic Park is being built. The protest was started by residents of the favela protesting the Olympic project.

According to a report by the Guardian, a few residents have refused relocation, despite pressure from the government. The favela lies on land that is being used to develop the Olympic Park, and has been declared a public utility by mayor Eduardo Paes.

Most residents have already accepted compensation for a move from the Rio government with only a reported few dozen families holding out.

"We have to challenge the expropriation decree. This is not in society’s interest. It is not legal. It will change our lives, but for whose sake?" Inalva Brito, one of the protesters, said to The Guardian.

"The Olympics is spitting in our face."

Hundreds of Thousands of Ticket Requests

Two days after opening up registration to purchase tickets for the 2016 Olympics, 750,000 tickets have been applied for in Brazil.

Ticket lottery registration began on March 31 for Brazilian residents, the same day a list of authorized ticket resellers was posted for international spectators.Rio 2016 says that volleyball, football and the opening ceremony are the most sought out tickets so far.

Over 7.5 million tickets are available for purchase for the 2016 Olympics.

Mayor to Deodoro

Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes visited the Deodoro Sports complex on Apr. 2.

After a tour of the venues the mayor had a briefing with Brazilian press on the venues.

Written by Aaron Bauer

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.