Outside of Rio, the 2016 Olympics are also driving new promises for upgraded sporting facilities around Brazil. This week heavyweight Presidential candidate José Serra has pledged to establish a number of Olympic centres of excellence throughout the country if elected this October. He said the facilities would not only be used by Brazilian athletes preparing for the Games but would also host foreign delegations in the lead up to the two week extravaganza.
The policy commitment was outlined during a visit to the headquarters of the Brazilian Olympic Committee in Rio.