The third visit of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission to Rio de Janeiro concluded this wednesday with Commission Chair Nawal El Moutawakel underlining the strong government support that the 2016 project continues to receive, with all levels of government represented during the meetings. With the President of the Rio 2016™ Organising Committee, Federal Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and Rio Mayor Paes took part in the Commission’s visit.

Since the Commission's last visit in June 2011, the Rio 2016™ Organising Committee has made great strides towards creating a clearer vision of the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders involved in the Games, as well as clearly defining project deadlines. Some examples of this work include the finalisation of the Olympic Park master plan, the clarification of responsibilities for the Deodoro cluster, and the near-completion of the Rio 2016™ matrix of responsibilities.

Speaking after the meeting, IOC Coordination Commission Chair Nawal El Moutawakel said: “Rio 2016™, under the leadership of Carlos Nuzman, continues to enjoy great support from all levels of government. From our experience, we know that once the previous edition of the Games comes to an end, the future organisers need to transition into the implementation phase and Rio will be no exception.” She continued: “It was a pleasure to have all the different levels of government with us again this week, their continued support is vital to the success of the project and we can see that their enthusiasm for the Olympics and Paralympics remains as great as ever.”

Crucially for the development of the Games project, a team from Rio will take part in the London Games as observers and secondees. This will be a great opportunity for the Rio organisers to get a first-hand look at what it takes to host an Olympic Games, enabling them to refine their plans and streamline their operational processes. London will also allow Olympic fans around the world to get a first taste of Rio 2016™, as Rio steps onto the global stage with an eight-minute segment during the London Games Closing Ceremony.

The President of the Rio 2016™ Organising Committee, Carlos Nuzman, commented: “I remain confident in the integration and unity between the three levels of government (federal, state and city), Rio 2016™ and other stakeholders, which is crucial for the success of this project. This unity dates back to the time of our bid. We acknowledge all the advice and the constructive feedback we have received from the IOC Coordination Commission this week."

The Commission paid visits to the site of the future Olympic Village, where Chair El Moutawakel launched the construction of the Olympic Village along with the Mayor of Rio and the village developers; the Transoeste Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line; and the Sao Conrado metro tunnel. The Games are already acting as a catalyst for positive change in the city, with the Transoeste BRT, scheduled to be used for the Games, officially opened to the public today – one of many great legacies in the pipeline for Rio 2016™.