Rio Facing Backlash | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Rio Facing Backlash

5
Rio Facing Backlash

On Friday, August 5th, 2016, the whole world was able to see the beginning of the next two to three weeks. Many people around the globe will turn on their televisions in hopes to watch their country's best athletes give it their all in hope for victory. The Opening Ceremony was filled with many highlights, and performances. However, despite the excitement, there are indeed some aspects to analyze while watching the game.

Protesting the Games

While the teams, audience, and viewers were celebrating the Opening Ceremony, thousands of Rio's civilians were outside the stadium in protest. They were in protest of their Brazilian government for spending millions on the games and not on the necessities of their country. Many were interviewed stating they had no issues with the games themselves, yet they couldn't believe their country was spending so much when it could be spending it on better streets. From research, Brazil has a huge population in poverty. Not to mention that the president, Dilma Rousseff, has been suspended for budget fraud, and has vice president, Michel Temer filling in. They have been wanting a reform in government as well, and are questioning Temer's judgement as the current president. Despite the issues, the protest was peaceful, since they realize this an important event not only for their nation, but for the whole world. The Opening Ceremony turned out to be less pricey than in other years previous.


The Air and Water

A portion of the games will be held in swimming areas. Not to mention Michael Phelps will be coming back one last time to compete and keep his title alive. Yet, before the games started the talks of the conditions for the players have been mentioned. Scientist stated that the water, was in fact, toxic for the swimmers. Anyone in close contact with it may face infections. Changes were going to be made, yet officials have now said it will take years to make the change in the water's toxins.

Yet, Scientists are beginning to say that the water issues re minor due to the air the athletes have to breathe in. According to the World Health Organization, they stated that the air's pollution is a bigger worry than the worry since everyone is required to breathe and inhale it. Paulo Saldiva, a member of WHO, states "A lot of attention has been paid to Rio's water pollution, but far more people die because of air pollution than the water," he said. "You are not obligated to drink water from Guanabara Bay but you must breathe Rio's air."


Brazil has the best intentions to host the games, yet everything is not what it seems. I hope the athletes will be well equipped, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Their health is at risk. Brazil is hosting a grand event and is doing its best to make sure they represent themselves to the best of their abilities, despite their conditions.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1282
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16170
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3383
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments