World Games revenues running behind expenses. (financial aspects of World University Games)

Organizers say $1.2 million deficit was not unexpected

The local organizing group for the 1993 World University Games had a $1.2 million deficit as of Aug. 31, according to a financial report released this month.

Officials of Greater Buffalo Athletic Corp. said the shortfall was anticipated and is not cause for concern.

But Chairman Burt Flickinger Jr. and Executive Director Ron Ferguson said the deficit has caused them to downscale the group's preparations for the games, which will be held in the Buffalo area in July 1993.

"This (deficit) is traditional in events of this sort," Flickinger said. "The heavy money like sponsorships and tickets will be coming in later. If you look two years in advance of any major event, like the (1984) Olympics in Los Angeles, you would see a similar situation to ours."

Greater Buffalo Athletic Corp. based in Amherst, has 22 full-time paid employees. Ferguson said the group planned to have 35 paid workers by this time.

"We have left several positions …