The biggest multi-sport spectacle on the planet, and with about a month and a half to go until the Rio Summer Olympics, IOC president Thomas Bach arrived in Brazil to begin a three-day trip. The visit is to check on the final preparations for the Games as the first South American country to ever host an Olympics is struggling with several serious challenges.

He came to look for himself, to check on Rio de Janeiro's readiness for the first Olympic games ever to be held in South America. Top of the agenda, a meeting with Brazil's acting President Michel Temer. Temer took over as president last month after Dilma Rousseff was suspended pending an impeachment trial. He said he would help Rio cover Olympic budget cuts.

"It was very important to come here with a good part of the government to observe the work and point out / that we're going to cooperate. Cooperate not only with words , but if necessary, financially," said Michel Temer Brazil's interim president.

In addition to political and economic instability, officials are also facing the issue of the Zika virus. A number of athletes have already pulled out of the competition because of the health risks.

And then there's pollution.. in the waterways where Olympic sailing and swimming events will be held. Officials insist the water will be safe for the athletes by the time the games begin in August.

"Despite the long list of concerns tied to the 2016 Olympics, including construction delays, Bach said he remains confident the city will be ready to stage successful games," said Lucrecia Franco Rio de Janeiro.

"The last days and weeks before Olympic Games finally start and before the cauldron is finally lit, looking forward to this moments are always not the easiest ones, but again I am very confident," said Thomas Bach IOC president. 

Even as Brazil struggles through a deep recession and political uncertainty. Bach believes the Olympics is not about politics but the games are about a unifying opportunity.