International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach today outlined how his organisation will work even more closely with the Rio 2016 Games organisers to ensure a successful event two years from now.

Speaking at a press conference after the IOC executive board meeting in Belek, Turkey, Bach said that in discussions on Wednesday with their “partners in Rio” – that “took place in a very constructive atmosphere” – it was agreed that new measures would be introduced to assist with the Games preparations.

These include the formation of a high level decision-making body including the organising committee and the different levels of government, along with the creation of three specialist task forces, which will focus on construction, operations and engaging the Brazilian population. 

“These are not measures being imposed by the IOC. They have been welcomed by the organising committee and the (Rio) mayor,” said Bach. “There is commitment on both sides to make this a success. We want to show ways, using our experience in organising the Games, of how the different levels of government can work better together, how they can benefit from the experience of previous organisers.

“We are putting all our energy into making these Games a success. We are offering the best expertise we can offer to Brazil and Rio, and they are pleased with that.”

Bach also announced that Gilbert Felli, the IOC’s Executive Director of the Olympic Games, would go to Rio earlier than planned to assist the preparations “in cooperation with the organising committee”.

Felli said: “We go there as facilitators, to show where they have got issues and how to solve those issues. To be part of the team.”

The specialist task forces will include the organising committee, stakeholders and IOC experts, and will be appointed in the next few weeks. A local project manager with expertise on construction will also be appointed to follow progress on infrastructure projects on a daily basis and make frequent assessments. “The IOC will play a major role coordinating the efforts of all the stakeholders,” said Bach.

The new measures are designed to address concerns expressed by the International Sports Federations (IFs) this week. Bach said there would be enhanced collaboration with these crucial partners, as happened for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, which he said offered an example of how dedicated project teams from different IFs could help deliver success.

“We welcomed the offer from the federations of more involvement as they have all the necessary expertise,” Bach said. “We informed the organising committee and the mayor about that and the measures were welcomed as it means there is a strong commitment from the IOC to help the success of these Games.”

Bach also talked about the legacy that would be left to Rio and Brazil after the Games, drawing comparisons with the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, which are widely credited with having improved the city.

“We think we have a good message to tell the cariocas, the people of Rio, and the people of Brazil,” Bach said. “There will be a legacy in improved infrastructure and more jobs. There will be better tourism infrastructure to receive visitors – and we all know how attractive Rio is to tourists. There will be better infrastructure for international sports events.”