Hard to picture: IOC orders Athletes’ Village strictly off limits to media to discourage negative publicity
Hong Kong media had little success in persuading officials to pass on photos of accommodation
First no video, then no pictures, what next, no looking?
The Hong Kong delegation refused requests from the media for pictures of the team’s accommodation at the athlete’s village, saying the IOC is tired of negative stories of Rio facilities.
All athletes living quarters are not allowed to have photos taken. Too much negative report on residences by reporters lately
A flurry of Whatsapp exchanges raised hopes of at least a non-intrusive photo of Hong Kong flags taken from outside their building. But at the last minute, fearing the IOC”s wrath, a desperate message was sent out saying even this was a no-no.
Hong Kong’s chef de mission Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, was keen to show that everything was okay at the Athletes’ Village.
“We have been speaking to athletes and coaches these few days and they are generally quite happy with the accommodation provided here,” he said.
“Of course there are glitches here and there but through communication with the organising committee, most issues have been solved [with regard to] our accommodation.”
When athletes started to trickle into the Olympic Park area last week, Rio organisers were criticised for being unable to complete the facilities on time.