The local organizing committee for the games did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This image goes against our beliefs and our values, the local organizing committee Rio 2016 said in a statement.

The local organizing committee was unable to find a title sponsor, who would have been expected to put up $1 million.

At a typical summer Games, more than 70 percent of tickets are held for local fans and sold by the local organizing committee.

The organisers says after assessing the minimal damage left by the storm, Sarasota County officials have granted the local organizing committee access to continue operations.