Concerns over poor Rio Paralympics ticket sales

The 2016 Rio Paralympic Games is at threat of being neglected, with around 50% of tickets yet to be sold.

According to the Guardian, organisers are worried the Paralympics will be even more sparsely attended than the Olympic Games last month.

They’re hoping a late surge of interest will fill stadiums, but with the opening ceremony scheduled for September 7 there may not be enough time.

Spending cuts and organisational problems have plagued both Rio Olympics.

The 2016 Paralympics have already been downsized, with venues closed as a result of budget shortfall and underwhelming ticket sales.

Earlier in August, the ABC revealed that Brazilian Olympic organisers failed to provide travel grants to competing countries, limiting the ability of around 10 smaller nations to compete.

"Never before in the 56-year history of the Paralympic Games have we faced circumstances like this," the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Philip Craven said.

Only around half of the 2.5 million tickets for medal events have been sold, despite prices being as low as 10 Brazilian reals ($A4.05).

Rio 2016 ticketing director Donovan Ferreti has said it’s even cheaper than going to the movies.

"We are telling people they can have a great time with high-performance competition and have a great day out in the Olympic Park."

Activists continue to stress the importance of filling stadiums, not only to support participating athletes but also to contribute to the image and impact of the Paralympics.