The candidate file, currently in its final stages before submission to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recently received all the necessary guarantees and approvals at a meeting of the Government Action Group for Rio 2016.

 

Carlos Nuzman, the President of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and of Rio's bid, said: “In collaboration with all three levels of Government, we have devised a concept that will be both a blueprint for great Games and the long-term legacy for Rio, featuring every sport inside the city.

 

"Our master plan, aligned with a broader agenda of urban transformation across the city, comprises four venue zones that promote economic, environmental and social sustainability. 

 

“One of the key principles that make up the overall concept for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the unification of sport, culture, education, torch and city activities.

 

"Together, these will act as a platform that will reach more than 65 million youth in Brazil and over 180 million young people in South America.

 

"In the current economic climate, Brazil is well positioned to achieve this as a result of its long-term high growth, supported by proven economic policies.

 

"Currently the world's tenth-largest economy, Brazil is predicted by the World Bank to become the fifth largest by 2016."

 

The venues for Rio 2016 are planned to be split into four zones.

 

They are:

 

· The Barra Zone, which will incorporate a single cluster comprising two precincts and 14 venues as well as the International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre, and will be home to a variety of competitions including aquatics, gymnastics, boxing, tennis and track cycling 

 

· The Deodoro Zone,  which will host seven venues that will stage competitions in disciplines including as Modern Pentathlon, BMX, shooting and canoe-kayak

 

· The Maracanã Zone will be home to competitions such as athletics but also to the opening and closing eremonies of the Games 

 

· The Copacabana Zone, which will have two clusters and have a total of five venues, hosting beach volleyball, sailing, rowing and road cycling 

 

Carlos Roberto Osorio, the secretary general of the bid, said: “The Rio 2016 venue plan and Olympic Park in particular, are at the very heart of our unique offering to the Olympic Family.

 

"They have been carefully designed to ensure a celebration of sport, to prioritise the experience of the athletes, to maximise the Games' broadcast appeal and to ensure a lasting legacy for the communities where the developments are planned. 

 

“The development of Village plans was undertaken in collaboration with Olympians and Paralympians,

 

"Village operators and staff and those who have lived and worked in previous Games Villages.

 

"Not only will this accommodation plan deliver great levels of quality and service during the Games, it will also provide homes for thousands of Brazilians after the Games and help to further develop one of the city’s fastest growing areas."