Rio rent demand of HK$1 million stuns Hong Kong's Olympic windsurfing team
As team compete in Games test event, they face huge 'bill' to store gear in marine container
Sewage-filled water is not the only thing that stinks in Rio de Janeiro. Apparent price-gouging by Olympic organisers has left flabbergasted Hong Kong windsurfing officials scrambling to change preparations for their medal challenge at next year's Games.
Boardsailors Hayley Chan Hei-man and Michael Cheng Chun-leung will be in action today at the International Sailing Regatta in Marina da Gloria, which doubles as the second test event for the 2016 Olympics and features most of the top international competitors.
With a number of training camps at the same marina over the next 12 months, the Hong Kong team planned to store their equipment in a marine container at the site, but a whopping HK$1 million rent demanded by Olympic organisers, which also includes facilities usage charges, may force a change in plans.
We are still negotiating with the marina to see if they are willing to reduce the rent before we decide what to do
"I was surprised by the figure when I first heard it," said Dennis Chau Wai-keung, executive director of the Hong Kong Windsurfing Association. "Our plan was to leave our container there after the test event so we could keep all our equipment, including a coach boat, and save on shipping it all back and forth each time we go out there.
"It's very important to get used to the weather and sailing conditions at the marina if we want to challenge for a medal next year. Now, we will have to discuss the matter with the Hong Kong Sports Institute, as they are responsible for all training programmes leading to Olympic Games."
"A cheaper way is to ship the container back to Hong Kong after the test event and then send it to Rio again before our next training camp," he said.
"This will probably cost HK$150,000 each time and save a bit on the expenses, but it will involve more work packing and unpacking the container at each side.