(VOVworld) – Olympics 2016 will take place from August 5-21 in Brazil. More than 10,000 athletes from 206 countries and territories will compete at the world games. Brazil says it is ready for the world’s biggest sport event.
The Olympic Games will feature 28 sports. Athletes will compete in 306 events in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Manaus, and capital Brasilia.
Brazil has invested a huge sum in upgrading its infrastructure even though it has been struggling financially. It’s estimated that Brazil has poured 12 billion USD into upgrading old facilities and building new facilities including the Museum of Tomorrow at Maravilha port in Rio de Janeiro, a water sports center in Rio de Janeiro with a capacity of 15,000 spectators, and an express bus route on the highway leading to Rio's Athletes Village and Olympic Park. A week prior to the opening of the mega-games, Brazil inaugurated a new metro line connecting Rio’s tourist district with Barra da Tijuca, where several events will be held. The new Metro Line 4 has 6 stops and is capable of transporting 300,000 people a day. Priority will be given to Olympic athletes, organizers, and staff.
Brazil will pay special attention to ensuring security, deploying armed forces inside and outside competition venues. It has expanded buffer zones between Olympic venues and tightened security at stadiums and on public transportation.
Brazil has mobilized about 85,000 soldiers, police, and security staff, installed advanced security equipment, and increased the exchange of intelligence with the US, the EU, and Israel. Minister of Sports Leonardo Picciani said Brazil guarantees the ultimate security of the Olympics.
Police have already arrested some suspected Islamic State (IS) militants who have been planning attacks during the Olympics.
The Rio Olympics organizing board says the Zika virus epidemic will not affect the event and promised there will be no new outbreak.