In the west of Brazil a federal university has launched a telling push to take advantage of the 2014 World Cup by preparing itself to host one of the up to 31 national teams set to base themselves in the country in the lead up to and during the tournament.
The Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), based in the 2014 Cup host city of Cuiabá (Brazil´s hottest state capital, located in the dead centre of South America), is expected to receive funding for the establishment of specialist athlete accommodation and training centres capable of hosting a national team during the Cup. The facilities would not only allow the University to participate in the event but would have longer term benefits for the academic community, said the state´s governor, Silval Barbosa.
The announcement once again highlights the wide range of opportunities opening up right across Brazil as the 2014 Cup and 2016 Olympics approach.