Synergies between the Rio 2011 World Military Games and Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games were the subject of discussion yesterday at a meeting between the Governor of Rio, Sérgio Cabral and the President of the International Military Sports Council, Gianni Gola. Held at the Governor’s breathtaking Palácio Laranjeiras, the meeting included a discussion about the city’s plans for the Games, including the use of facilities that will be developed for the World Military Games.

The meeting was also attended by the Commander of the Eastern Military Command, Rui Catão; Commander-General of the Naval Infantry, Admiral Álvaro Augusto Dias Monteiro; the State government’s Secretary of Sport, Tourism and Leisure, Márcia Lins; the State government’s Public Security Secretary, José Mariano Beltrame; the City government’s Rio 2016 Secretary, Ruy Cezar and Rio 2016 Secretary General, Carlos Roberto Osório.

The Rio 2011 World Military Games are expected to involve some 6,000 athletes from 110 countries. “It was an honor to receive President Gianni Gola. The 2011 World Military Games and the 2014 FIFA World Cup reinforce Rio’s ability to host major international sporting events and in both cases, the organizers are completely aligned with our vision for Rio 2016,” said Sérgio Cabral.

Gianni Gola praised the Rio 2016 Games Plan and its integration with the World Military Games. Indeed, should Rio be selected to host the 2016 Games, a number of venues will host Olympic and Paralympic events such as Deodoro Arena – planned to be built for the World Military Games – which would host fencing competitions in 2016. In addition to this, the World Military Games’ Athletes Village is planned to be used as the Officials’ Village in 2016. “There is a significant amount of integration between the two projects and this exchange of information is very important and demonstrates our commitment to deliver a sustainable legacy from one major event to the next. For example, the World Military Games will also use facilities built for the Rio 2007 Pan American Games while our Rio 2016 Games Plan has been developed according to the natural expected growth of the city and in areas that will deliver the greatest benefits to residents,” said Carlos Roberto Osório.