Brazil Olympics: Super-bacteria found in Rio sea waters
Researchers in Brazil have discovered a drug-resistant bacteria in the sea waters where sailing and windsurfing events will be held during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Read full article: BBC News Latin America & Caribbean
Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic mascots named Vinicius and Tom by public vote
With 44 per cent of valid votes, names pay tribute to Brazilian musicians Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim
The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games mascots have been named. The Olympic mascot will be called Vinicius and the Paralympic mascot will be called Tom. The names were chosen by a public vote that was conducted over the past three weeks, since the mascots were unveiled. A total of 323, 327 votes were cast.
The names, which received 44 per cent of valid votes, pay tribute to Brazilian musicians Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim. They were part of the group that created Bossa Nova, the musical movement that got the whole world singing about the beauty of Rio de Janeiro. Together, De Moraes and Jobim wrote The Girl from Ipanema, one of the most-played songs of all time.
Vinicius and Tom were chosen ahead of the other two shortlisted pairs of names: Oba and Eba, and Tiba Tuque and Esquindim.
Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman said the public had chosen names that reflect the character of the Rio 2016 Games. “The names of Vinicius and Tom are recognised worldwide as a synonym for excellence, which is in line with what we want to achieve with the Rio 2016 Games,” he said. “In addition to representing the Brazilian fauna and flora, our mascots also connect to the best of our music. We are certain that they will be an inspiration to the youth.”
Rio 2016 Brand Director Beth Lula said: “The choice of the names Vinicius and Tom adds even more ‘Brazilianness’ to our mascots, which are ambassadors of the Games. Their role is to share the messages of the event and the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements with various audiences, especially children and youth.”
The origin of the Rio 2016 mascots blends fiction and reality. According to the story, on 2 October 2009, when Rio de Janeiro was elected to host the Games, the great explosion of joy amongst Brazilians was felt by nature and from this energy the mascots were born.
Vinicius, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games mascot, represents all of the different animals in Brazil. He combines the agility of cats, the sway of monkeys and the grace of birds. He can stretch his arms and legs as much as he wants and has a very acute sense of smell and amazing powers of hearing
Tom, the Paralympic mascot, is a fusion of plants found in Brazilian forests. He is energised by photosynthesis and can pull any object from his head of leaves. He is always growing and overcoming obstacles, and believes there is no challenge that cannot be solved. Find out more about where the mascots came from and who they are by clicking here.
Source: Rio2016.com
Rio 2016 Olympic Road Race and Time Trial Courses Confirmed
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Rio 2016 Organising Committee have today confirmed the Rio 2016 Olympic Road Race course for Men and Women. The course, which is 256.4km long for Men (Saturday August 6th) and 130.3km for Women (Sunday August 7th) will:
In addition, the Grumari Time Trial Course has also been confirmed by the UCI and Rio 2016 Organising Committee. The course, which is 29.8km long uses the Grumari Circuit of the road race that includes the 1.2km climb up Grumari Road will see the race start and finish in Tim Maia Square along Pontal Beach. The women will complete one lap and the men will complete two laps of the circuit. The Time Trial for men and women will take place on Wednesday August 10th.
Speaking from the 127th IOC Session in Monaco, UCI President Brian Cookson welcomed the confirmation of the Rio 2016 Olympic Road Race and Time Trial courses and said: “The UCI has been working closely with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and Mayor Paes on the Road Race and Time Trial Courses for some time and I am delighted that the routes have now been agreed. The Road race mixes some of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic backdrops such as Copacabana and Ipanema with some really testing sections such as the Grumari Circuit and the climb up to Canoas/Vista Chinesa. While the Time Trial course also includes the challenging topography of the area.The steep climb up Grumari Road, is sure to provide a unique test for Time Trial riders. Today’s confirmation of the Rio 2016 Road Race and Time Trial courses brings the start of Rio Games ever closer for riders across the world.”
Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro added: “The Olympic Road Race has historically incorporated iconic backdrops and Rio 2016 will be no exception. The eyes of the world will see the world’s best riders race alongside some of Rio’s well-know sites such as Copacabana and Ipanema. The route will also showcase areas of our great city that are less well known internationally such as Vista Chinesa. And I’m sure that the people of Rio de Janeiro will come out in huge numbers to cheer on riders right across this course.”
Agberto Guimaraes, Rio 2016 Sports Director added: “With less than two years to go until the start of the Rio Games, I’m delighted that we have finalised the Olympic Road Race and Time Trial routes which will provide a stunning backdrop for riders to compete, spectators to enjoy and a global TV audience to marvel. I would like to thank the UCI for its professionalism and assistance throughout this process. I and my colleagues look forward to working with the UCI on the Road Race and the other Olympic cycling events to ensure that we provide the perfect environment for riders to excel.”
Source: UCI – Rio 2016 Olympic Road Race and Time Trial Courses Confirmed
Read more: Rio 2016 road cycling course to pass through Copacabana, Ipanema and Tijuca Forest
The concept, called “Olympic Unity House” and developed by architectural firm 3XN, ensures that the new building authentically reflects Olympism, the Olympic Movement and the role of the IOC as a catalyst for collaboration in an iconic and transparent way. Olympic Unity House is designed to be a welcoming home for IOC members and the meeting place for the entire Olympic Movement.
The IOC administration will be brought together at Olympic Unity House in a single location in Vidy, resulting in substantial long-term savings, increased working efficiency and energy conservation. With this ambitious project, the IOC aims to demonstrate leadership in terms of sustainability. The highest possible sustainability certification level will be considered, and studies are currently ongoing to define which labels are the most suitable to the new building.
Last April, the EB chose Danish firm 3XN as its architectural partner for the design of its headquarters. The choice concluded a year-long selection process that saw 118 architecture practices from around the world enter an international architecture competition launched by the IOC. Twelve projects, from four different continents, were initially shortlisted. Of those, three were then invited to further develop their concepts.
“The IOC Session was presented today with an architectural project that will allow the IOC to benefit from a modern, functional and sustainable working environment”, said the IOC Director General. “At a time when we are speaking about the future of the Olympic Movement with Olympic Agenda 2020, Olympic Unity House is a bridge between the roots of the IOC in Lausanne and our vision for the future.”
Source: IOC – www.olympic.org
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