Rio-2016 News

[paul]

cool idea for Rio

[gotosy]

Rogge: Rio Olympic organizers don't need warning

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) - IOC President Jacques Rogge believes he won't need to publicly warn organizers of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics about delayed preparations.

An IOC evaluation panel is due in Brazil on Monday to begin its latest visit, amid persistent reports that progress is behind schedule.

Rogge was reminded Wednesday that, when leading the evaluation of the 2004 Athens Olympics, local organizers were shown a soccer-style yellow card by his predecessor, Juan Antonio Samaranch.

Rogge said he asked Samaranch to issue that warning.

"I told him: `First thing you have to give is a strong warning and you only can do that as president of the IOC because your voice will carry much further than any other,''' Rogge said. "The same would happen in Rio if things were of such a nature that they were needed.''

So far, no one from the Rio evaluation team led by Rogge's executive board colleague Nawal El Moutawakel requested a yellow card from him.

"I hope this is not going to be the case,'' said the IOC president, who leaves office in September. "I am confident that with the new steps that have been taken by the organizing committee, this will not be needed.''

...

AP

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2013/olympics/wires/02/13/2090.ap.oly.rogge.2016.olympics/

[gotosy]

Coordination Commission visit gets underway in Rio

18/02/2013

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’sCoordination Commission for the Rio 2016 Games starts its fourth visit to the Brazilian host city today.

Chaired by IOC Executive Board member and Olympian Nawal El Moutwakel, the Commission will be spending the next three days examining the progress of the Rio project and receiving updates from the organisers and their partners on their plans. The Commission will also visit some Games-related projects in the city.

Updates

Since its third visit last June, there have been a number of visits from IOC delegations to Rio, but this will be the first time the full Commission has been in town since the close of the London 2012 Olympic Games. This signifies that the Commission will start to visit the host city twice a year from now on, as is the usual schedule for Coordination Commission visits to a Games host. The Commission will hear updates on issues as varied as athletes, venues, sport, transport, media services, workforce, technology, and the Paralympic Games, to name but a few of

the subjects to be discussed this week.

...

IOC

[hiroamorim]

New venue for Diving

FINA asked CO-RIO an exclusive venue for Water Polo, so they moved Diving to Copacabana beach. Now Maria Lenk, localized in Barra clauster will only host Water Polo.

font: http://blogs.lancenet.com.br/rio2016/

[DannyelBrazil]

New venue for Diving

FINA asked CO-RIO an exclusive venue for Water Polo, so they moved Diving to Copacabana beach. Now Maria Lenk, localized in Barra clauster will only host Water Polo.

font: http://blogs.lancenet.com.br/rio2016/

WOW!!! One of the most beautiful diving venues ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sir Rols]

WOW!!! One of the most beautiful diving venues ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree. This would be the best since Barcelona's spectacular diving pool overlooking the city.

[intoronto]

I think a shade will be needed for the audience.

And good for Rio organizers to move the venue instead of merging it with swimming.

Edited February 19, 2013 by intoronto

[Rob2012]

Very, very nice!

[intoronto]

BTW what is the seating capacity?

[DannyelBrazil]

This render does not give us a clue... But, I'd bet 5,000?

[baron-pierreIV]

BTW what is the seating capacity?

200,000..

Edited February 20, 2013 by baron-pierreIV

[stryker]

Is it not possible to have water polo, aquatics, and diving all at the same venue or are there now too many events?

[intoronto]

Is it not possible to have water polo, aquatics, and diving all at the same venue or are there now too many events?

Too many events now. Having swimming, synchro and diving together is possible.

Rugby is going to possibly be moved to Deodoro and field hockey is likely to get a temporary facility somewhere.

[stryker]

I thought rugby was slated for the Joao Havelange Stadium.

[gotosy]

IOC hail solid progress by Rio 2016 organisers

February 20, 2013 19:30 pm

International Olympic Committee inspectors have declared themselves satisfied with the progress made by Rio 2016 organisers.

Nawal El Moutawakel headed a three-day visit and was happy to see Rio implement many of the lessons learned from the debrief that followed last year's successful Olympics in London.

“We've seen solid progress this week,” she said.

“Building work is ongoing and the organising committee continues to strengthen its capacity. However, many projects will have to be delivered simultaneously.

"We remain confident but we must all stay vigilant and continue to work hard, so that timelines are respected.”

In the next 12 months, Rio organisers will finalise a schedule for test events and they also presented IOC officials with their all-important accommodation plans.

“We are making strong progress in our journey and we are on track to deliver great Games," said organising committee chairman Carlos Nuzman.

"We have worked hard to increase integration across the project and the vital engagement and support of the three levels of government is stronger than ever.

"We are grateful for the expert advice and guidance received from the IOC coordination commission this week, and the Rio 2016 teams will continue to work relentlessly to deliver solutions for the outstanding issues and to respect the timelines involved in the project.”

http://www.teamgb.com/news/ioc-hail-solid-progress-rio-2016-organisers

[intoronto]

New venue for rugby sevens at Rio 2016 proposed by city Mayor

February 21 - Plans to host the rugby sevens at the Estádio Olímpico João Havelange when the sport makes its debut on the Olympic programme at Rio 2016 could be hijacked by the city's Mayor who has proposed renovating a different venue so it can stage them.

Eduardo Paes has promised to fund a rebuilding programme at Estádio Moça Bonita if it chosen to stage rugby.

"If you approve Estádio Moça Bonita, I will start work tomorrow," said Paes, who has already discussed his plan with Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman, who is less enthusiastic about the idea.

The original proposal had been to stage rugby in the Estádio São Januário, home of football club Vasco da Gama.

But they failed to provide the necessary guarantees required by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB) by the end of last October.

Negotiations between Rio 2016 and the IRB have been ongoing since about the João Havelange Stadium but now Paes wants his proposal to be looked at serioulsy.

Moça Bonita - which in English means Beautiful Girl - is located in Bangu, the same area as São Januário.

"The most important and historically symbolic stadium in the area, is San Gennaro, but that is already ruled out," said Paes.

"The second most important is Moça Bonita."

The Stadium was built in 1947 and is owned by Bangu Atlético Clube, a club founded by English factory workers and which was the first in Brazil to feature black players.

The Stadium has fallen into disrepair in recent years and if Paes' proposal is accepted it would undergo a massive $34 million tranformation, expanding the current capacity of 5,000 to 15,000.

The João Havelange Stadium, however, remains the favourite to be eventually chosen.

"The IRB will continue to work alongside Rio 2016 and the IOC to ensure the delivery of outstanding and successful rugby sevens events for teams, fans and the Olympic and rugby families," said a spokesman for the IRB.

[Texas]

21^st February 2013 – Six time Olympic Games gold medallist Usain Bolt will run a 150m race on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on March 31^st 2013. The event titled ‘DESAFIO MANO A MANO’ will feature four of the top sprinters in a street meet type concept. The organisers X3M Brazil will construct the track on the iconic Brazilian beach and promise to give the fans an exciting opportunity to see the world’s fastest man up close and personal. This will be Bolt’s second visit to Rio having been there in October 2012 for a promotional visit with his sponsors Puma.

http://usainbolt.com/2013/02/usain-bolt-to-run-150m-race-on-copacabana-beach/

[Fox334]

http://usainbolt.com/2013/02/usain-bolt-to-run-150m-race-on-copacabana-beach/

Didn't he do the same thing pre London?

[DannyelBrazil]

Only correcting information.

Bangu AC stadium "Moça Bonita" is located 35 Km far from Sao Januario stadium.

Indeed, with this change, Rugby would leave Maracana cluster and be held in far-west Deodoro Cluster

[Bezzi]

15,000 seats is too little for rugby. São Januário would be expanded to 40,000 and the João Havelange will have 60,000. Moça Bonita is also a private stadium. If the Mayor is willing to invest, why he does not help Vasco to reform São Januário?

[Texas]

Getting ready for Independence, Scotland opens an office in Rio:

As one of the world’s most rapidly developing economies, Brazil offers a host of opportunities across the electronics, automotive components, food and drink, chemicals and oil and gas sectors.

As Scotland’s 13th largest export market, exports to Brazil from Scotland totalled £435 million in 2011, with the majority of this in the food and drink and energy services sectors.

Anne MacColl, Chief Executive, Scottish Development International said: “With Scotland’s strengths in technology development, innovation and R&D, there is undoubtedly great opportunities for Scottish companies to expand into the Brazilian market.

"By increasing our presence, we can help both to pave the way for Scottish businesses to successfully trade in Brazil and encourage Brazilian companies to look to Scotland as the destination of choice for business investment.”

Some 30-40 Scottish based companies are already operating in Brazil including Hydrasun, Wood Group and Caley Ocean Systems, with the mission aiming to further explore how trade relationships between the two countries can be strengthened.

The opening of the Rio office comes as Scotland’s largest ever oil and gas trade mission travels to Brazil. The SDI delegation, one of three simultaneous missions being held this week, builds on the success of the organisation’s fact-finding mission to Brazil in November of last year.

The attending companies, which specialise in areas of expertise such as training, subsea technology, drilling and health and safety, will meet with key industry players and attend the UK Brazil Oil and Gas Showcase during a four day programme.

http://www.sdi.co.uk/news/2013/03/scotland-opens-base-for-brazilian-operations.aspx

Also University of Edinburgh opens office in Sao Paulo:

http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/latest-news/edinburgh-university-opens-brazil-office-1-2829777

[Sir Rols]

Dead fish fill Rio de Janiero Olympics rowing lake

THE lake that will host rowing events at the Rio de Janiero 2016 Olympic Games is facing a huge cleanup after it was filled with 65 tonnes of dead fish.

The Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio became deoxygenated after storms, leading to the deaths of thousands of a type of fish called shad.

Rio's municipal department of the environment said that since Monday 65 tons of dead fish have been removed from the lake. The lake located in the heart of the city is among the area's many tourist attractions.

The department says that a rain storm earlier this week washed organic matter into the lake, leading to the big die-off of the fish.

It says the situation is improving and that no dead fish were pulled out of the lake yesterday.

Adelaide Now

Edited March 15, 2013 by Sir Rols

[Rob2012]

Meh, the Shanghai River of Pork is better!

Edited March 16, 2013 by RobH

[micheal_warren]

Dead fish fill Rio de Janiero Olympics rowing lake

THE lake that will host rowing events at the Rio de Janiero 2016 Olympic Games is facing a huge cleanup after it was filled with 65 tonnes of dead fish.

The Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio became deoxygenated after storms, leading to the deaths of thousands of a type of fish called shad.

Rio's municipal department of the environment said that since Monday 65 tons of dead fish have been removed from the lake. The lake located in the heart of the city is among the area's many tourist attractions.

The department says that a rain storm earlier this week washed organic matter into the lake, leading to the big die-off of the fish.

It says the situation is improving and that no dead fish were pulled out of the lake yesterday.

Adelaide Now

Thats a lok of dead fish!

[gotosy]

Rio closes venue to be used for athletics in 2016

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Rio de Janeiro city officials have been forced to temporarily close the stadium that will be used for track and field at the 2016 Olympics because of structural problems with its roof.

Authorities said Tuesday that the Joao Havelange Stadium, known locally as the Engenhao, isn't safe to host public events until the problems are fixed.

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes said he decided to close the venue immediately after constructors who have been monitoring the stadium's roof notified him of the structural problems.

''I asked them if these problems posed a threat to fans and the answer was 'Yes,' depending on circumstances such as wind velocity and temperature,'' Paes said. ''There was a risk, so I decided to close the stadium immediately until we have more details about the solution that we will need.''

Paes said the extent of the threat was not fully known, but the decision was made based on three different reports which showed that the structural problems presented risks. A more complete analysis will take place before solutions can be considered.

''The stadium will stay closed for an undetermined period,'' the mayor said. ''If they give me a solution that will last a month, then it will stay closed for a month, if it takes a year, it will stay closed for a year. I will wait until a definitive solution if presented. We can't play with something like this.''

Local Olympic organizers downplayed the possibility that the problem will affect the 2016 Rio Games, underlying that the event is still ''years'' away and that a solution will likely be found way ahead of the first Olympics in South America.

''The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee has full confidence that the city of Rio de Janeiro will take the necessary measures to guarantee that the Olympic Stadium is ready for the games more than three years from now, as well as for the test events before them,'' the organizing committee said in a statement.

Paes said officials will evaluate what caused the problem so those responsible can be held accountable. He said it could be an issue linked to the original project of the stadium.

The Engenhao has been the main Rio stadium since the Maracana closed for renovation ahead of the Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup. It will not host matches in those tournaments, but it could be used for training.

The stadium was being used for matches in the Rio state football championship and the Copa Libertadores, Latin America's most important club competition. Two matches in the Rio tournament which were scheduled for this week had to be transferred to the smaller Sao Januario Stadium.

There is still no decision on where to play the remaining matches of the Rio championship which were scheduled for the Engenhao, including the tournament's finals.

The stadium was built for the Pan American Games that Rio hosted in 2007 and cost a lot more than it was originally budgeted, prompting heavy criticism against local officials at the time. The final cost was about $200 million.

Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo took over the venue's administration after the Pan American Games and in 2009 it started using the name ''Stadium Rio'' for marketing purposes.

Rio authorities also were criticized for refusing to rename the venue after Havelange, the Brazilian official who presided FIFA for many years, was named by Swiss court documents published in 2012 as the recipient of millions of dollars in a World Cup kickback scandal in the 1990s. He paid a Swiss court about $550,000 to end a criminal investigation into alleged embezzlement.

The Engenhao is expected to be upgraded from a 46,000-capacity stadium to a 60,000-capacity venue for the Olympics, when temporary seating sections will be added.

AP

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/rio-closes-venue-used-athletics-005237717--oly.html