Greatest show must go on in Rio

MANILA, Philippines - There’s a big room for debate whether or not the Rio Olympics, which is just 73 days away, should be moved to a later date or cancelled in all.

There are different factors that have led to such similar calls – among them the threat of the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne infection affecting newborn babies and pregnant women.

Brazil is also in a political mess, with its President, Dilma Rousseff, being suspended and facing impeachment. The country’s readiness to host this year’s Olympics is in question.

While there are others calling for a postponement, there are others who feel that the Greatest Show on Earth must go on – as planned and as scheduled.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach is confident that authorities in Brazil, the epicenter of the Zika virus, is in control of the situation.

Bach issued an assurance weeks ago that there’s no threat of withdrawal from any country that has qualified athletes to the Games set Aug. 5 to 21.

If any athlete or athletes decide to withdraw, then it’s their own personal decision.

“There is no intention by (any) national Olympic committee to pull out from the Rio Olympic Games,” the IOC chief was quoted by the foreign press.

The chef-de-mission of the Philippine contingent to Rio, Jose Romasanta, is on the same page. He doesn’t expect the Rio Olympics to be called off or even rescheduled.

“I don’t think that is possible,” said Romasanta.

“Everything is in place. The sponsorship deals, the TV times (blockings), naka-puwesto na lahat (are all in place),” said the vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“Even the schedules of the heads of states that are witnessing the Games should have been set by now. The bookings (air transport and hotel) are set,” he added.

A cancellation of the Games or even a rescheduling is beyond his thoughts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised all participants, from athletes to officials to spectators to take all precautionary measures.

Mikee Cojuangco, the IOC representative to the Philippines, is looking forward to this year’s Olympics, saying she’ll make sure she has enough supply of mosquito repellants when in Rio.

The Philippines is fielding a small delegation to this year’s Olympics, perhaps fewer or a little bigger in number compared to the 11 athletes that saw action in eight disciplines in 2012 in London.

So far, there are only a handful with sure tickets to Rio, among them two-time Olympian Marestella Torres of track and field, Kirstie Alora of taekwondo, Ian Lariba of table tennis and Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez of boxing.

A handful more are hoping to catch the last bus although weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and track and field’s Eric Cray are just waiting for confirmation from their respective IFs (international federation).

“I’m very optimistic that we will attain the number,” he said, referring to a delegation of 12 to 15 athletes.

“We are hopeful,” said Romasanta.

First, the show must go on.