Criticism Mars Opening

Questions about the organization, including sharp criticism from a local sports official, clouded the start of the World University Games at Palermo.

Athlete accommodations, transportation, communications and a lack of new sports facilities were among the concerns facing organizers of the two-week event, being held in more than one city for the first time.

“We had hoped to present to the world an example of efficiency and a capacity for putting on an event, but mistakes have been made,” said Rosolino Siculiana, president of the Sicilian branch of the Italian Athletics Federation.

“The organizing committee had problems and put off the solutions. In these final days, the organization has moved into emergency mode,” added Siculiana, a member of the organizing committee from 1991 until 1994.