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Bubka, El-Moutawakel in master class for Brazil youngsters

Olympic champions Sergei Bubka and Nawal el-Moutawakel took time out from the Olympic co-ordination committee`s eighth inspection visit to Rio de Janeiro to coach Brazilian youngsters.

Bubka, El-Moutawakel in master class for Brazil youngsters

Rio de Janeiro: Olympic champions Sergei Bubka and Nawal el-Moutawakel took time out from the Olympic co-ordination committee`s eighth inspection visit to Rio de Janeiro to coach Brazilian youngsters.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board will meet from Thursday to Saturday in Rio, but Ukrainian Bubka, the 1988 pole vault champion, and Moroccan El-Moutawakel, 400m hurdles champion in 1984 and now co-ordination commission president, took the opportunity to share their Olympic experience with local children.

"Sharing our knowledge and inspiring these youngsters ... sharing the values of sport, it`s always fantastic," said Bubka, 51.

Maria Quirino Queiroz, a budding long-jumper aged 15, said the message was loud and clear.

"It is very important to see two Olympic champions give a master class especially for us and teach us the techniques of their discipline," said Quieroz.

Embarking on its latest assessment of Rio`s preparations, the co-ordination commission praised organisers for stepping up efforts to be ready amid long-time concerns about some venues, in particular attempts to deal with pollution of Guanabara Bay, which will host sailing events.

Other concerns surround the city`s saturated public transport network.

The Commission will assess such issues and visit Games venues while also assessing progress on accommodation, marketing and preparations for the Paralympic Games.