(Reuters) - Brazil's interim President Michel Temer is optimistic that the country will stage a successful Rio Games, despite facing health and financial turmoil ahead of the Aug. 5-21 Olympics.
Brazil is witnessing one of the country's worst recessions since the 1930s, while concerns over the Zika Virus, high crime rates, infrastructure delays and political unrest have led to mounting scepticism about the viability of the Rio Games.
Temer, however, downplayed the concerns and insisted the country was ready to welcome the estimated 500,000 visitors expected to attend the Games.
"Brazil is ready to receive all of the visitors who will be enjoying the pleasure of watching the world's elite international sports athletes compete," Temer said in a statement.