The ongoing push to move a number of 2016 Rio Olympics facilities from the Barra de Tijuca region, which would remain with the majority of installations even if the new plan is approved, to the city’s currently rundown port area has gained further momentum this week with the launch of the Rio 2016 Institute, a new body modelled on similar initiatives in previous host cities.
The Institute, which is still in the early stages of development, is to consist of an exclusive team of up to 35 experts that will closely accompany the approximately 70 projects already in the works and help ensure works are on track and adhering to required transparency and budgetary procedures. Adding weight to the case for moving certain facilities from Barra, the entity will be located in the Rio port area in an industrial warehouse formerly used by the Porto da Pedra samba school. (for more details on the planned changes see the report below from May 4).
Although the Institute will be subordinate to the Rio-2016 Special Secretariat, the latter’s head, Ruy Cezar, will not be presiding over the new body as his role is to speak for the Rio City Council on the Olympic Public Authority, which brings together federal, state and city government representatives and is responsible for coordinating the bulk of Games projects.