Rio de Janeiro’s project to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games goes far beyond 17 days of sporting competition. This weekend the Rio 2016 Committee will take part in the 16th edition of Global Action, an effort to provide various services for the community free of charge. The event takes place this Saturday, March 30, in 32 cities across Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, the event will be based at the Sambódromo, traditional stage of Rio’s Carnival and also planned home to the archery competitions and the start and finish of the marathon, should the city be chosen to host the 2016 Games by the International Olympic Committee.

With representation in the areas of citizenship, education, health, sports, culture and leisure, Global Action aims to pull together 1.1 million people and give 2.5 million free consultations. In Rio de Janeiro, 35 thousand visitors are expected during the eight-hour event. Services on offer include medical consultations, issuing of documents, gym sessions, workshops, theatre and lectures on the importance of the practice of sports. The Rio 2016 Committee stand will demonstrate that the city's Olympic project can bring benefits that go far beyond sports, such as achieving professional qualifications,  job creation and improvements in transport infrastructure and security.

The Rio 2016 stand will have computers available to those who wish to register as a volunteer or show their support by going to the Rio 2016 website, www.rio2016.org.br, and clicking on the link "Eu Quero”. "Global Action is an event that moves the country with the message that citizenship is necessary for personal and professional growth. This idea fits well with the Rio 2016 project, in which sport will be a tool for the integration for young people and those living on the margins of society. The Olympic Games will contribute to ensuring greater harmony in the community and create new opportunities for jobs," explained the Rio 2016 General Manager of Games Services, Ricardo Trade.