Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president of the Organizing Committee, presented an overview of the works and projects that are already in progress, underlining the success of the launching of the Rio 2016 Games emblem; the launching of the Commercial Plan and the announcement of the first sponsors in the Financial Services and Insurance (Bradesco and Bradesco Seguros) and Telecommunications (Claro and Embratel) categories; the works that are already in progress for the construction of the Olympic and Paralympic Village, of Porto Maravilha (Wonderful Port), Transoeste and Transcarioca BRTs, and metro line 4; the development of the program of the Police Pacification Units (UPPs); and confirmation of the construction of 17 new hotels in the city.

The president of Rio 2016 underlined the importance of showing that Rio is fully meeting the commitments assumed at the time of the bid. “We are acting in strict compliance with the schedule set by the International Olympic Committee, working hand in hand with the Federal, State and Municipal governments, and setting up a highly qualified team to organize the Games. We are happy to be able to present this scenario to the International Federations and to know that our progress is fully recognized”, Nuzman explained.

Nuzman was followed by the Rio 2016 Committee Sports Director Agberto Guimarães, who reported that all the recent activities of his department, as for example, the relationship that was initiated with the International Olympic Federations (including an observation visit to one round of the Rugby Sevens World Series) and the Organizing Committees for the Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games, the launching of the Process of Registering and Selection of Pre-Games training venues, and completion of the Olympic Park briefing.

Agberto Guimarães emphasized the need to keep the International Olympic Federations updated on each step of Games organization. “The Federations are among the most important clients of the Organizing Committee, and, most especially, of the Sports Department. The Federations establish all the specifications to make sure that Games competitions will meet the needs of top level athletes. Developing a continuous relationship with them is critical to the success of the event”, he added.

Also this week, Rio 2016 Committee will present its progress report during International Olympic Committee Executive Committee meeting, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 5th and 6th, also at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in London.