Rio 2016 says some venues are ready

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Organizers of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, criticized over delays with the games two years away, say several venues are ready.

In a statement, organizers say 11 of the 29 permanent venues are built, eight require renovation, and 10 more need to be built. Eight temporary venues will also be used.

Speaking last month, International Olympic Committee vice president John Coates called Rio’s preparations “the worst I have experienced.” He later backtracked and said Brazil would deliver great games.

Last month, the IOC sent a senior troubleshooter and task forces to speed up Rio preparations.

Many of the new venues are under construction in the Olympic Park area west of central Rio. Work at the second largest venue cluster in Deodoro in north Rio has not begun.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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