A strong economy and guaranteed fundingBrazil's economy is now the tenth largest in the world - and predicted to be fifth by 2016. We are the world's second biggest food exporter, one of the world's largest oil and ore producers and the fifth largest advertising market. Our diverse economy is the engine of South America and one of the world's top 10 consumer markets. We have the highest levels of Internet use in the world. The enduring strength of our economy - even in the current global climate - has enabled the Government to guarantee the investments needed for the 2016 Games, including direct funding of US$700m for the OCOG.
Spirit, sport and a powerful legacyWe will unite Rio's unique spirit with the power of sport to stage an exceptional event, full of Brazilian passion. Rio 2016 will provide memories of a lifetime for every athlete and all other members of the Games Family. And the Games will leave a powerful legacy by meeting the long-term needs of the city and its residents. Every aspect of the Rio Games concept has been designed to align with the strategy for the future of the city and country.
World-class existing venuesMore than half of Rio 2016's venues are already built. They include state-of-the-art facilities constructed for the 2007 Pan and Parapan American Games: the magnificent João Havelange Stadium (the proposed 2016 venue for Athletics), the Maria Lenk Aquatic Centre, the Rio Olympic Arena (which will host Gymnastics and Wheelchair Basketball), the Rio Olympic Velodrome, the National Equestrian Center and its close neighbor, the National Shooting Center.
Ongoing venue investmentBrazil's commitment to sport can be seen in the further venue investment that is already under way in Rio. The world-famous Maracanã stadium will close next year for two years of refurbishment. The areas around it will be renovated, with access and transport links improved as the entire neighborhood is reborn ready for host the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Work is already underway on the ongoing development of the Olympic Training Center (OTC), which includes many of the state-of-the-art venues built for the 2007 Pan and Parapan American Games. The OTC will be at the heart of the Rio Games - and international sport for years afterwards. Athletes and coaches from all over the world will be offered scholarships to what will be a new regional hub for sport.
Uniting sport and youthRio is committed to bringing together Brazil's youthful population - including 65 million under 18s - with the full range of Olympic and Paralympic sport. One example is the X Park, a sports complex that will combine Olympic disciplines with many of the modern sports that have emerged in recent years . In keeping with Rio 2016's clear strategy to align Games plans with the long-term development of the city, the X Park will be built in Deodoro - the area of Rio with the youngest population and a recognised need for more sports facilities.
An extraordinary Village experience for every athlete and official The global sports family will enjoy high quality accommodation in Rio - with ground-breaking facilities and superb views - within walking distance of many competition and training venues. Because every sport will be staged in Rio itself, every athlete and official will stay in a single Village - and a Village in a remarkable location on the shore of a lake, with its own park, private oceanside beach and dedicated training facilities. The famous character of Rio will be brought to life in the pedestrian boulevard of Rua Carioca, with sidewalk cafes, live music, restaurants and shops at the heart of the Village. The needs and requirements of every client group, across every functional area, have been considered and addressed in the comprehensive planning for Rio's Games concept.
Taking sport to new audiences Rio will provide an amazing stage for the athletes, stunning locations for sport and a breathtaking spectacle for Games visitors and broadcasters, who - thanks to Rio's favorable time zone - will be able to offer live coverage in peak times worldwide. Rio 2016 will also work with every sport to develop high impact entertainment concepts that harness the incredible energy of Brazilian spectators, whilst preserving the tradition of each sport. We have budgeted to develop creative concepts and innovative technologies with each sport - to connect spectators to the athletes and enhance the Games experience for both. We will also ensure that as many people as possible see the action. Part of our fully funded, pioneering Full Stadia Program will bring young, passionate Brazilian sports fans to the Games via text message.
A truly global celebrationRio 2016 will be Games of celebration, extended worldwide via a network of sites in key global locations. Our Olympics Live initiative will fund 15 Live Sites around the world, including at least two on every continent, bringing a genuine sense of connectedness , specifically targeting youth audiences and creating a direct bridge to the Games experience. Using a combination of the latest broadcast technology and interactive activities, the sites will offer a new level of live global Games experience.
