President Rousseff provides details of Olympic preparations to the Brazilian National Congress

President Dilma Rousseff's Message to the Congress at the opening legislative session for 2016 featured the Olympic Games in Rio prominently and provided details on the involvement of multiple federal agencies.

In the report's opening section, Dilma Rousseff stressed that in 2016 Brazil will once again be at the centre of the world's attention because of the grand Olympic Games.

President Rousseff read her Message to Congress during their opening session for 2016. Photograph: Roberto Stuckert/PR

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"The Federal Government and state and local governments will have to work hard over the next five months so that all deadlines can be met. By late April, the Olympic spirit will spread throughout Brazil as the Olympic Torch makes its way around, which will cover approximately 330 cities. On 5 August, when the Olympic Torch enters the Maracanã, Brazil will show the world our strength, our power and our joyfulness. We will be a flawless host for our visitors as well as for the more than four billion viewers the world over," said the President.

As part of organising the Games, the Brazilian Government's obligations range from the provision of sports facilities, public safety, arrival and transport arrangements at airports, energy supply, the purchase of materials and equipment to be used by the athletes during the games. The range of actions involves several federal agencies, all acting under the Ministry of Sport. Check it out.

Olympic Capabilities

According to the responsibilities set forth in the Olympic Responsibility Matrix, new sports facilities are being built, and existing facilities are undergoing improvements and renovations. Facilities located in the Olympic Park in Barra da Tijuca approaching completion involving around R$ 900 million in federal funds include the Olympic Aquatics Centre and the Olympic Handball Centre, both on temporary basis. Also in Barra da Tijuca, the Federal Government is funding the construction of two permanent facilities that will be a legacy – the Olympic Tennis Centre and the Velodrome.

For the works involving the Deodoro Sport Complex, as well as building maintenance and disassembly of temporary facilities after the Games, the federal funds are equivalent to R$ 970.1 million (including sanitation capabilities, landscaping, street lighting, paving, drainage, and urban revamping, building accessibility ramps and bike paths). Another R$ 59.2 million were allocated to works performed on the Complex by other partners.

Brazil Medals Plan (Plano Brasil Medalhas)

In order to leverage the preparation work by Brazilian teams in the Rio 2016 Games, the Federal Government developed the so-called Brazil Medals Plan (Plano Brasil Medalhas), with the goal of ranking Brazil among the top ten in the overall Olympic medal count, and among the top five in the Paralympic medal tally. Preparations are conducted in collaboration with public and private institutions, and cover participation in global competitions; training abroad; international championships in Brazil; construction, renovation and equipping of training centres (National Training Network), as well as professional training.

An additional action plan involves the construction, renovation and equipping of training centres in accordance with the standards followed by international sports federations. Following up on preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic competition, programmes and partnerships with institutions working with performance sports, such as the Brazilian Olympic Committee, the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, the Brazilian Confederation of Clubs, and sports federations and associations, clubs, leagues, universities, and the Brazilian Ministry of Defence.

Athlete Grant and Podium Grant Programmes

The Athlete Grant Programme was established in 2005 and its priority is to invest in sports featured in the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games with a view to training, as well as developing successive generations of athletes with the potential to represent Brazil. In the first year of the programme, beneficiaries included 975 athletes. In 2015, coverage reached 6,131 athletes for both Olympic and Paralympic sports across five of the six grant categories, benefiting from junior to high performance athletes. It also included 1,001 athletes for non-Olympic and non-Paralympic sports across two grant categories (at national and international levels).

Under the Podium Grant category – for athletes in individual sports with chances of scooping medals and one of the actions in the Brazil Medals Plan –, 261 athletes across 36 sports have been supported. In addition, the Brazil Medals Plan supported another 157 athletes in team sports, with 97 in Olympic sports and 60 in Paralympic team sports.

National Training Network

The National Training Network – the Federal Government's flagship legacy for sports infrastructure – was designed to interconnect the various existing facilities or facilities under construction throughout the country. The Network is being developed in collaboration with Brazilian states and municipal organisations and universities to identify and develop talent and young athletes in both Olympic and Paralympic sports, from junior to senior level. As well as training professionals, the Network promotes high performance sports in a national network of facilities of various types, sizes and structures.

Examples of improvements in the National Training Network include: i) the National Paralympic Training Centre in São Paulo (state of São Paulo), which is nearing completion; ii) the Northeast Olympic Development in Fortaleza (state of Ceará), which hosted the Youth School Games in September 2015; iii) the Pan-American Judo Centre in Lauro de Freitas (state of Bahia) opened in 2014; iv) the CAIXA Athletics Arena and the CAIXA Gymnastics Arena in São Bernardo do Campo (state of São Paulo), both completed in 2014; and v) the Diving Centre of Excellence at the University of Brasilia (UnB) in Brasilia (Federal District) also inaugurated in 2014.

Olympic Training Centre for the Northeast in Fortaleza. Photograph: Danilo Borges/brasil2016.gov.br

Many facilities for high performance sports are being retrofitted and expanded in Rio de Janeiro, such as the Training Centre of the Rio de Janeiro Federal University School of Physical Education (UFRJ), the Admiral Alberto Nunes Physical Education Centre (Cefan), the Air Force University (Unifa), the Army Physical Training Centre (CCFEx), the Naval Academy and the Air Force Command (Caer), all expected to be completed in the first quarter or early second quarter of 2016.

The National Training Network will evolve into the National Sports Network. This began with Athletics – the flagship sport in Olympism. The National Athletics Training Network is being developed in collaboration with universities, the military, municipalities, state governments, the Brazilian Athletics Confederation, state federations, and leagues. In 2009 2015, the Ministry of Sport delivered 16 new, renovated or equipped tracks. Another 31 are underway. The federal funds to build, renovate or equip these tracks totalled R$ 349.7 million.

Artistic Gymnastics

A National Network is also being shaped for gymnastics. Federal funds allocated to the Brazilian Gymnastics Federation were used to purchase equipment to build or re-equip 15 Training centres in 13 cities. It was the largest gym equipment import operation in Brazil in 41 years.

Ministry of Agriculture

As far as animal health is concerned, actions in preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games include the establishment of specific requirements for the temporary importation of horses and development of specific regulations to facilitate entry of all animals, veterinary products, and animal feed in the competition.

Promotion of Domestic Tourism

The Federal Government held the Olympic Year for Tourism event to raise awareness among public officials and institutional partners of the importance of tourism to help Brazil's economy rebound and for the development of Brazil.

International Relations Involving Tourism

Brazil's participation in early November in the world's largest tourism fair – the World Travel Market (WTM) – held in London, UK, deserves special mention. Actions at the fair included promotion of Brazilian destinations related to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, among others.

International Tourism Promotion

In order to raise Brazil's profile internationally in 2016, the new Brazil Brand is now being developed, and an advertising campaign will be rolled out to attract more foreign tourists to the Rio 2016 Games.

Science, Technology and Innovation

Highlights include deployment of three weather stations in strategic locations in the city of Rio de Janeiro, and two weather marine buoys in the Guanabara Bay for monitoring weather conditions, with the aim of supporting the Olympic Games in 2016. This equipment will be critical to support golf, sailing, rowing, aquatic marathon competitions and other outdoor events.

Doping Control

A highlight of the fight against doping was the reinstatement of the Brazilian Doping Control Laboratory (LBCD) by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Construction of the new main site for LBCD, at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), relied on funds totalling R$ 134 million by the Federal Government. In addition, an additional R$ 54 million were used to purchase equipment and materials for the laboratory.

The Brazilian Doping Control Authority was involved in 13 test events that have been held. In 2015, 80 doping control officers became certified as the result of a training and evaluation process. Approximately 1.5 billion doping control tests have been conducted, with 600 out of competition. The outlook for 2016 includes participation in an additional 21 test events, certification for another 70 doping control officers, and controls for out of competition for the athletes not staying in the Olympic Village during the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Foreign Relations

Since some 100 Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the opening and closing ceremonies, a working group has been established to coordinate the response of the Brazilian Government to the primary requirements: i) sports cooperation; ii) support to foreign government delegations; iii) support to the international press; iv) dissemination of Brazilian culture and promotion of Brazil's trade and tourism; v) police, intelligence and defence cooperation; and vi) support to foreign consular service.

Decent Work Conditions

Commitments were undertaken in order to improve working conditions by the Tourism and Hospitality industries and the National Construction Bureau for the FIFA 2014 World Cup, which are now being revised and updated. For 2016, training programmes for about 13,000 professionals in the tourism industry are planned, with a focus on Rio de Janeiro and the cities that will host football games as well as actions under the Sustainable Tourism and Childhood Programme for the Rio 2016 Games.

Electricity

Significant work to expand the power grid in the Barra Olympic Park area was conducted. The works included the construction of the Olympic Substation (SS) with 138 kV/3.8 kV - 120 MVA in installed capacity, the underground extensions (138 kV) interconnecting Substations (SSs) Gardenia and Barra II to the Olympic SS, with a total of 13.7 km, and the expansion of SSs Gardenia and Barra II, with the construction of exit bays for 138 kV. These works are being carried out with federal funds, in a total of about R$ 165 million.

In addition to the final works for electric power infrastructure, construction of temporary facilities to supply electric power to support the Game-related activities will be necessary, which includes temporary works, services, and rental of machinery, equipment and materials. Estimated expenditures by the Federal Government: R$ 250 million. A preventive maintenance plan is also in place for transmission and distribution companies, in order to enhance safety and reliability of the power supply to the city of Rio de Janeiro and the host cities for Olympic football (Manaus, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, and São Paulo).

Telecommunications

During the test events specific equipment and frequency testing was performed with the Rio 2016 Committee with a view to monitoring telecommunications signals, interference prevention and control, as well as curbing unauthorised use of radio frequencies.

Road Transportation

Preparatory actions for security and logistics are being implemented by the Ministry of Transport in order to establish the paths to be followed for the Olympic Torch relay and the granting of permits and authorisations for passenger and cargo transportation.

Road checks are planned in major entrances to the state of Rio de Janeiro and the BR-101, BR 116 and BR-040 motorways, in addition to operations at major border points with significant passenger traffic, such as in the cities of Foz do Iguaçu, PR, and Dionisio Cerqueira, SC.

Water Transportation

Operations in the terminals located in the Guanabara Bay will be monitored and overseen by the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (Antaq), which may be affected by the water sports competitions to be held in the area. Special attention will be given to the tourist terminal at the Port of Rio de Janeiro. In addition, it is up to Antaq to monitor and arbitrate any conflicts that may occur between port terminals and service users due to delays in cargo loading/unloading due to unusual levels of business in ports during the event.

Civil Aviation

The Civil Aviation Industry Planning Manual lays out the coordinated and integrated actions between airport operators and agencies in the National Civil Aviation System during the competitions in 39 airports. The entire operation will be monitored 24/7 in 2016 from a control room – the so-called Master Room, located in Rio de Janeiro, RJ –, which will be in operation from 20 July to 24 September 2016, and will be manned by representatives from all the government agencies involved.

Moreover, throughout 2015 three simulation drills for airport accessibility by passengers with disabilities were carried out at the Santos Dumont Airport, RJ, and Galeão Airport, RJ, and Guarulhos Airport, SP, and a simulation drill for the flow of arms and ammunition at the International Galeão Airport, RJ. Test events and simulation exercises are planned by July 2016 to evaluate the flows of special passengers, including guide dogs; horses; passengers with disabilities; and weapons and ammunition.

Visa Waiver

Law N. 13,193, of 24 November 2015 was sanctioned, which provides for a tourist visa waiver to nationals from countries listed under a joint directive by the Ministries of External Relations, Justice and Tourism who enter the Country by 18 September 2016, for a period of stay up to 90 days from the date of initial entry into the Country. The Directive governs the temporary exemption from consular visa requirement for citizens from the following countries: USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Urban Mobility

Several urban mobility actions involving federal funds are being implemented by the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro for the Rio 2016 Games to be held, especially the tramway from the Central Area and the Port of Rio de Janeiro. The project includes accessible stations and stops, platforms with tactile floor and smooth and non slip ramps, and integration with other modes of transport, with federal funding of R$ 532 million and capacity to carry 300,000 passengers per day.

Integration into Security

In 2015, funds were used to improve the Integrated Command and Control System (SICC), re equipment and upgrade of organisations involved in the security of major events and training and capacity building activities for officials involved in security operations for the Rio 2016 Games. In 2015 SICC became involved along with their Integrated Regional Command and Control Centres in several test events such as triathlon, paratriathlon, rowing, horseback riding, road cycling, grass hockey, canoe slalom, badminton, and tennis.

The National Force

9,600 workers will be hired to ensure security of the premises of the Games. 60 motorcycles were purchased by the Department of Federal Motorway Police (DPRF) for escort and motorcycle policing services in the metropolitan areas in the cities to host football matches, as well as in the cycling events.

The Federal Police

The Federal Police Department prepared the integrated operational plan with the various public security forces. Various training activities were carried out related to: i) training of police officers and related staff to improve performance of their duties during the Games; ii) collection and preservation of biological evidence for DNA examination purposes; iii) updating on crime scene handling; iv) identification of disaster victims based on forensic dentistry; and v) training on the collection, storage and dispatch of post-explosion traces.

Defence

The planning and preparation work for defence actions in the Rio 2016 Games has been conducted since 2012 and will involve joint efforts to promote a peaceful and safe environment for the Games, with approximately 20,000 military personnel deployed in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, alone, and 15,000 in Belo Horizonte (state of Minas Gerais), Brasilia (Federal District), Manaus (state of Amazonas), Salvador (state of Bahia) and São Paulo (state of São Paulo).

Intelligence Actions

Intelligence actions were also carried out as per the Strategic Integrated Security Plan (PESI), which lays out guidelines for government action to ensure a peaceful and safe event. In 2015, the following actions were implemented: i) serial risk assessments; ii) training in intelligence to officials; iii) research for authorisation; iv) evaluation of sensitivity of delegations; and v) maintenance of the Games Intelligence Centre (CIJ) in Rio de Janeiro, RJ.

Terrorism Prevention

Actions to prevent terrorist acts or similar acts during the test events were stepped up in collaboration with Brazilian agencies and foreign intelligence services. New information technology tools for infrastructure and security were acquired.

Cyber Attacks

The strategic project for Cyber Defence was a major highlight in terms of security and cyber defence integration in past major events and is gearing up for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Deliverables in 2015 include implementation of a supercomputer at the Military Institute of Engineering (IME) and implementation of a new, more dynamic and efficient system for cyber defence simulations.

brasil2016.gov.br