Paralympian waiting to see if Rio dreams will be dashed

A Paralympic goalball player is waiting for news whether she will be heading to Rio in September, following news of major budget cuts at the games.

Budget cuts announced last week included a sport venue closing, cuts to transport services, and fewer workers at the games.

• Paralympic Games in Rio next month face 'major budget cuts'

Two-time Paralympian goalball player Amy Burk will learn Friday if her sportwill go ahead.

Burk is from Charlottetown and moved to Ottawa eight years ago for training. She said she is disappointed by the cuts, but not too surprised.

"It just kind of shows like, 'We don't really care about you guys. We want to put all the money into the OIympic program,'" said Burk.

"All the athletes from all over the world that are going to compete for their country, they put in exact same amount of time, effort and dedication into their sports as the Olympians do, and it's just unfortunate to see that it's not bring taken as serious as it should be."

The Paralympics have been struck not only by fiscal trouble in Brazil, but also by poor ticket sales.

The Paralympics are scheduled for Sept. 7-18.