Rio Report - Four Year Anniversary; Busy Month for Rio Organizers

10/2/2013

Rio 2016 leaders celebrate their victory on Oct. 2 in Copenhagen. (Getty Images)

Four Year Rio Anniversary 

October 2, 2013 marks four years since Rio de Janeiro was awarded the 2016 Olympics. 

In a statement, Rio 2016 President Carlos Arthur Nuzman said it was an “important day” for Rio and the Olympics. 

“On that date, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded us the opportunity to show that Brazil can deliver the greatest sporting event in the world with excellence, passion and dedication,” he said. 

“Four years on, we are working harder than ever, together with our colleagues from the International Federations and National Olympic Committees, and under the expert guidance of the IOC, to ensure that we deliver transparent, rational and ultimately inspirational Games for the world to enjoy in 2016.

“Working closely with our partners in the three levels of government, we are on track to deliver the transformational vision that we set out for Rio on that memorable day in Copenhagen four years ago. In 1038 days’ time, we will welcome the athletes of the world to the Opening Ceremony at the Maracana Stadium for what we believe will be the beginning of unique and unforgettable Games and a proud moment for Rio, Brazil, and South America,” said Nuzman.

Busy Month for Rio 
 

An artist’s rendering of the Deodoro complex, where hockey will take place. (Rio 2016)

This month, Rio 2016 plays host to the British and Australian Olympic Committees; the golf, hockey and sailing federations; and the world’s media. 

FIH, the International Hockey Federation, visited Rio September 29 – October 2 and left impressed. 

David Luckes, FIH director of sport said in a statement supplied to  Around the Rings : “Rio de Janeiro is preparing well to receive this huge event. Of course there is much work ahead, but I believe that the professional team of the Organising Committee will win this challenge. I was here in March this year and we can already see a major breakthrough. The organization of an event like the Olympics is made through a partnership between the Committee and the International Federation. We are in good hands. The communication between us is done regularly and with a great spirit of confidence."

Journalists will descend on Rio on Oct. 22-23 for the first World Press Briefing. Some 150 journalists have already been accredited for the event. 

The British Olympic Association and Australian Olympic Committee will visit functional areas for the Games and inspect Olympic venues. 

Rio de Janeiro. (Getty Images)

Written by Ed Hula III.

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