Curitiba Cup stadium tender to be released in February

The Atletico Paranaense football club, owner of the Arena da Baixada stadium in the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba, capital of Parana state, has indicated that it will open a public tender for the refurbishment and management of the facility by February 2011.

UK`s Brazilian Chamber launches new Cup and Rio-focused committee

In yet another noteworthy incursion into the Brazilian major events market, the UK's Brazilian Chamber of Commerce has formed a new committee focusing on Major Sporting Events. To be launched in January 2011 in partnership with Major Events International (MEI), the aim is to provide clear communication about the commercial opportunities presented by hosting iconic events such as World Cup series and Olympics, and a framework of support to help members of the Chamber establish a stronger business presence in Brazil and greater collaboration in the UK.

The calendar of events in 2011 will include hosted visits by relevant Brazilian government officials and stakeholders involved in planning and delivering the sporting events in Brazil, expert briefings from commercial companies with experience in this market and access to organisations which can assist with establishing a new business in Brazil.

The Major Sporting Events Committee will be led by MEI and will be supported by a Steering Group consisting of:
- Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP – International Law firm experienced in London 2012.
- Brazilian National Development Bank (BNDES) – currently financing all FIFA 2014 World Cup stadiums.
- Bradesco - Private Brazilian Bank and official sponsors of Rio 2016.
- Embratur – Brazilian Tourism Office
- KPMG – international consulting firm experienced in Major Events, including London 2012 and World Cup 2014.
- Noerr – International Law firm with Major Events experience, including Rio 2016.
- Rede Record – Broadcaster rights holder of London 2012 and Rio 2016.
- TAM Airline – Brazilian airline sponsor of the Brazilian Football Team.

At the inaugural meeting of the Steering Group, Chairman of the Chamber, Jaime Gornsztejn stated that there is a unique window of opportunity for UK and Brazil to strengthen commercial ties and share their mutual experience of major events.

Australia Brazil sport link down in ink

As part of one of the most significant steps ever for Australia Brazil trade relations, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd, has signed a MoU on Cooperation on Major Sports Events that will facilitate bilateral cooperation on sports and the exchange of knowledge concerning the organization of major international sporting events.

Specialised training programs to assist Brazil´s urban redevelopment

Education and training groups looking to win a slice of Brazil´s massive preparations for the World Cup 2014 and Rio 2016 should note this week´s announcement of an innovative new program for one of Rio de Janeiro's biggest shanty towns, or favelas.

More Olympic investment to benefit high performance sport

In an important sign of growing confidence in the future of the Brazilian sport industry, electronics giant Samsung has made a significant new investment in the country´s Olympic program.

The contribution is through the existing ‘Projeto Medalha Azul’ (Blue Medal Project), which provides financial and technological assistance to individual athletes and sport federations alike. Importantly, Samsung’s commitment to the provision of state-of-the-art technology will ensure chosen athletes can reach new levels of performance.

Samsung Brazil´s director of marketing, Carlos Werner, commented that their idea is to involve both existing high level athletes as well as up-and-coming talent, with the sponsored group to be developed over a number of years, both for London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Leaks show US targeting Brazil event planning

The recent WikiLeaks release has had some interesting repercussions for the Brazil 2014 World Cup and Rio 2016, with documents from the US department of defence mentioning the expectation of delays in preparations for the two mega-events.

Golf resort push adds momentum in a land of opportunity

Although currently a very minor sport in Brazil with equally negligible playing options, golf looks set for a period of significant expansion over the coming years as the tourism and resort industries in particular look to attract more golfing tourists.

Universities investing in sport and Olympics

A major new investment by the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in high performance sport is just a small part of a growing wave of activities throughout Brazil geared towards finding the next generation of Olympic champions in time for the 2016 Rio Games.

Training stadia renovations add business options

The creation of a new Brazilian law making potential training and base camp stadia for the 2014 World Cup eligible for tax offsets for refurbishments works is fuelling a wave of additional projects around the country. Beyond the financial stimulus, city councils and private football clubs are also seeking to win their share of the World Cup pie, with the chance to host pre-Cup training and acclimatisation camps right through to the more formal sub-hosting base camp rights the main targets.