Minister Cheers USA Olympians in Rio

On Copacabana Beach after Volleyball Event

      Our Minister of Latin American Affairs is on the ground in Rio,(finally).  After a delayed start, he arrived Thursday night to begin his observations and analysis of conditions at various venues.  He is not disappointed.  He attended badminton competitions with the USA v. Cuba-report: excellent work.
He has also attended beach volleyball, men's and women's: great games all.
     Today he also has a full slate and will be attending some ping pong action, some track and field prelims, and perhaps some synchronized swimming.   So far, it appears that the Brazilians are scoring a winner with management of the Games.  the opening ceremony was a big hit, despite a lower figure for worldwide TV viewers.  The diving pool water color changed has gotten lots of press: the blue changing to dark green is an obvious issue, but, nobody seems to be overly disturbed excepting the pool cleaners/chemists who are responsible for maintenance.
     The weather has been cooperative without soaring temperatures, strong winds, or other malefactors to disturb the athletes.
     USA swimmer Michael Phelps has done what no man or woman has ever done before: winning 26 Olympic medals with 22 gold medals.   His swan song in yesterday's 4 X100 medley relay brought more gold to his total.   He appears to be quite humbled by it all.   A great souvenir for his partner and infant son.
     He has also reported that Russyan athletes are regularly booed by fans when they enter a venue.  Evidently, locals do not appreciate their doping history, despite I.O.C approval of those not on the track and field side.
     Keep up the good work, Mr. Minister.