The 2016 Summer Olympics are just weeks away but is Rio de Janeiro ready? The games are set to begin in Rio de Janeiro on August 5th. However, with Brazil mired in the worst economic recession it’s seen in decades, the host city is experiencing a host of problems.

“Americas Now” anchor Elaine Reyes sits down with the CEO of the Rio Olympic Organizing Committee Sidney Levy to assess the risks.

Polluted waters, rising crime and public safety concerns are a few of the obstacles the city has been contending with in the midst of fiscal difficulties. In fact the situation has been so dire, it forced Rio’s governor to declare a state of emergency and request federal aid.

The federal government granted approval for Rio’s request for a financial bailout. The cost? $ 850 million.

Elaine Reyes interviewed Sidney Levy in Washington, DC. He talked about how Rio de Janeiro is addressing challenges in the days before the Olympic Games.

Elaine’s interview with Sidney Levy here.

Overcoming obstacles in time for the Olympics

The 2016 Summer Olympics are just weeks away but is Rio de Janeiro ready? The games are set to begin in Rio de Janeiro on August 5th. However, with Brazil mired in the worst economic recession it’s seen in decades, the host city is experiencing a host of problems. “Americas Now” anchor Elaine Reyes sits down with the CEO of the Rio Olympic Organizing Committee Sidney Levy to assess the risks.