There is something so special about the Rio 2016™ Olympic and Paralympic Games that it makes people return to the city after living abroad for a long time, refuse job offers or stay away from their families, just to participate in the project. Among the Organising Committee’s employees, these stories have something in common: changes are not seen as a sacrifice, but as a reason to be proud.

One of the enthusiasts is former handball player Bruno Souza, who rejected job offers in Europe for the chance of being part of Rio 2016™.

Bruno started envisioning a new career after a knee injury stopped him from playing in the Olympic trials – the last opportunity to qualify for the London Games – in April 2012. Aged 34, Bruno started to rethink his life as an athlete. During recovery, the two-time Pan American champion was still invited by European clubs to play or be their sports director.

Then there was the prospect of applying for a position as Integration Specialist for the Olympic and Paralympic Village in the Committee. Being part of this team was more important.

“They needed a former athlete with Games experience and who understood the foreigner’s vision. As I have lived for almost 13 years abroad, my character was more German and French than Brazilian. I also accepted the job for the challenge of getting to know the operational side of the Olympic world. It is an on-going learning process,” says Bruno, who took part in the Brazilian Olympic Committee's Athlete Support Programme, which helps competitors' transition to new jobs.

A few months later, Bruno’s dream of being at the Games for the third time came true, but this time through Secondment, the official Rio 2016™ Observers Programme in London. “It was a totally different experience,” he said. “Two months before, I was preparing to be an athlete in London and, suddenly, I saw myself working on the event I knew so well. I am very proud of what I do today.”

Brazil’s Time

The challenge also brought back to Brazil Administrative Manager Daiane Ramos, who had been living in London for seven years. With 15 years of experience in the area, Daiane left her job at a multinational photographic equipment company and as a police officer and moved to Rio two weeks after confirming her spot on the Committee.

“I had never been to Rio de Janeiro before, I had to live in a hotel for a month,” she said. “My life in the first few months was difficult, but I support anyone who wants to do it. I believe in the project. It is Brazil’s moment and I think whoever lives abroad and expects a high standard of service should collaborate,” she says.

For those who are in Brazil but have their relatives living in another country, the solution is to usethe internet, to see each other during holidays or to put family pictures on their work desk, as does Sylmara Multini, General Manager of Licensing, Retail and Concessions. Her husband and her 18 and 21-year-old daughters stayed in the United States, where she  lived for eight years. But the distance did not separate them.

“We have strong family bonds and respect each other’s moments a lot. They don’t demand anything; I have a team who is cheering for me. It is vital that the whole family is united around this project”, she explains

“To be involved with the Games is very exciting. To be part of this event that will transform Brazil is a privilege. In licensing, we have the opportunity to impact on 100% of Brazilians through our products. We will change the country’s image and the responsibility is huge.”

Children? Only after the Games

Family support is also essential for Internal Communication Specialist Emerson Sanders, who got married to biologist Camila Coelho, who lives in Curitiba.

Emerson and Camila were engaged when he joined Rio 2016™, in August 2011. The wedding was planned over the phone or when the couple met at weekends. They were always patient and supportive with each other.

“My job also makes her proud. From the beginning, Camila knew we would be together in the end, knew our relationship was solid and was very supportive. It was essential,” says Emerson, adding that they only plan to expand the family in 2017.

“We had to plan when we are having kids, it will be after the Games. I live this type of life because of the love I have for the Committee. It is an effort for the sake of the project that I am passionate about. I want to tell my grandchildren that I contributed to the Olympic project in Brazil. I wouldn’t do it for any other company. The Olympic rings light up my eyes.”

In 2016, more than 100,000 people will be part of Rio 2016™, including employees, temporary workers, collaborators and volunteers. Stories of dedication will also multiply. Each challenge will be different, but the light in their eyes will be the same.