Dec. 09--In the six years since Rio de Janeiro was awarded the 2016 Summer Olympics, Brazil has seen its once-healthy economy slip into dire recession.
On Wednesday, organizers acknowledged the obvious -- the country's problems have them fighting to complete preparations for the fast-approaching Games.
"We are in a moment where we need to adjust everything," Carlos Nuzman, the organizing committee leader, told reporters at an International Olympic Committee meeting in Switzerland.
Rio 2016 has suffered through construction delays, civic unrest and questions about pollution in the open waters where sailing and other events will take place. The country as a whole is dealing with corruption scandals and impeachment proceedings against its president.
Olympic organizers are hoping to cut more than $500 million from their $1.9-billion operating budget.
IOC Vice President Craig Reedie believes the country's problems will "inevitably" affect the Games.
"There are challenges," Reedie was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. "I think they and we will have to get through it."
