By Michela DellaMonica, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — In an open press conference Friday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, acknowledged the progress made in a number of areas such as the finalization of the overall stadium planning, promises of a sustainable legacy, and the integration of the Brazilian government’s efforts under President Rousseff’s Chief of Staff, Aloizio Mercadante.
During the IOC’s sixth visit to Rio, a detailed assessment was conducted of all the venues in the Barra da Tijuca and Deodoro zones, west of the city. Some venues for test events have experienced delays but the IOC is “confident that the time until the Games all venues will be constructed and complete.” With just over two years to go until the Games open on August 5, 2016, the IOC is concentrating most efforts on security especially for all athletes competing.
During its three day visit, the IOC examined construction sites in Barra da Tijuca and the Olympic Village and received updates from managers and their partners in all areas of the Rio 2016 Committee.
The IOC and the work of Rio 2016 and its partners also promised in delivering a sustainable legacy from the Games. Public transportation usage is expected to rise to sixty percent by 2016, up from twelve percent today.
Also there will be a planned seven-fold increase in treated sewage around the Guanabara Bay by 2015; one million people will have the opportunity to learn English thanks to the Games; 75 new hotels are expected to be built creating an estimated 11,000 new jobs; and numerous additional projects are already being organized by Rio 2016’s commercial partners.
On March 27, 2014, a crucial meeting between the Brazilian government and key Games stakeholders will take place in Brasilia, where it is expected that the responsibilities for each Games related project will be clarified along with the associated funding in order to avoid further significant delays in the delivery of the global event.
“We enter this crucial phase of our journey without a minute to lose, and certain that our partners in government share this vision,” said President of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, Carlos Nuzman.
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