Rio 2011 Military World Games fast approaching

In less than a year the 5th Military World Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, giving the city another small taste of what is in store come 2016 and where improvements are required. The event will utilise various existing facilities around the city, including Stadium Rio (formerly João Havelange Olympic Stadium), which was built for the 2007 Pan-American Games. There will be approximately 4,900 athletes from over 100 countries competing in 24 sports.

Green building and the 2014 Cup

As 2014 preparations pick up speed all around Brazil, a central theme to many of the projects is sustainable design, a factor essential to much of the funding available through the federal government´s BNDES (National Development Bank) and Caixa public banks.

Spreading the benefits of 2016 Olympics around Brazil

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.

Rio already building Olympic sport capabilities

A number of noteworthy developments in Rio de Janeiro over the last few weeks have given a big kick along to the country´s preparations for the 2016 Olympics, while also revealing possible opportunities for Australian expertise.

Updated Matrix provides details of airports and ports spending

The Brazilian Federal Government´s “Matrix of Responsibilities” defining the roles of and relationships between the country´s three tiers of government in relation to World Cup 2014 preparations has been updated to include both airports and ports.

2014 Cities site now online

A helpful new website with a range of information on the 12 host cities for the 2014 World Cup has been launched by Brazil´s federal tourism board as part of the ongoing promotion "Brazil calls to you. Celebrate life here". Check out the ‘Selection of Brazilian Cities’ site here

Sustainability on agenda in south of Brazil

In encouraging signs for sustainability specialists, the state government of Parana, in Brazil’s south, have committed to the establishment of a specific work group to ensure all World Cup 2014 projects in the state and its host city Curitiba are environmentally friendly.

Bullet train tender open

The tender for the 511km Rio-Sao Paulo high speed rail line has been opened by the Brazilian federal government, with interested parties given until November 29 to submit their proposals.

Following the tender submission period, there will be a final auction at the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange on December 16 to determine the winner.

Click here for more details on the project.