In a BBMag exclusive, Brazil’s Sports Minister Leonardo Picciani tells us about his expectations for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Rio 2016 Games represent a great opportunity for Brazil. Besides the considerable exposure the Games provide and the presence of so many visitors from all over the world, mega events of this nature allow for significant investment in both infrastructure and in the development of sports in general. I am certain that the Rio 2016 Games will be a tremendous success.
London took full opportunity as host in 2012 to redevelop East London. Brazil is constructing a National Network for Training that will help service and develop professionals from the grassroots to the highest levels, in a range of different ways. The network will be the greatest legacy of the sporting infrastructure and help nationalise the benefits of the 2016 Games.
Brazil has significant experience when it comes to hosting major events, like the Rio +20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, the FIFA Federations Cup 2013, World Youth Day 2013, and of course the FIFA World Cup 2014. The country is ready and prepared. We will be with arms wide open to receive visitors from all over the world.
The Rio 2016 Games will be one big party and a huge success!
