UN Radio: Is Brazil, specifically Rio de Janeiro, ready to host and inaugurate the Olympics on August fifth?
Leonardo Picciani: Look, Rio de Janeiro and Brazil are absolutely ready for the start of the Olympic Games on August fifth. Most of the sports facilities are already delivered and prepared to host the events. At the beginning of August, before the opening of the games, we will inaugurate Line 4 of the Metro; recently, the city also had a series of inaugurations of mobility and transport works, such as the VLT in the city center, the duplication of the Joá elevated road, the new Joá tunnel, which provides access to Barra da Tijuca, one of the locations where many competitions will take place, where the Olympic Park, the Olympic Village, and the media center of the Olympic Games are located. Therefore, Rio de Janeiro is absolutely ready to kick off the Olympic Games and welcome everyone very well.
RO: Well, as we know, Rio de Janeiro has successfully hosted several international events and sports events. However, there are analysts and even athletes who are concerned about some issues. For example, the pollution in Guanabara Bay, the Zika virus issue and the risk of contamination, and also the insecurity in the city of Rio de Janeiro. How does the government respond to these issues?
LP: First, we are taking all measures to ensure that none of these concerns arise during the Olympic Games. Regarding Guanabara Bay, we have made extraordinary progress, although we still have a target to pursue. Much still needs to be done. We have increased treatment from just 11% to 51% in preparation for the Olympic Games, addressing a backlog of decades. But we aim to reach 80% treatment, and we will pursue this goal even after the Olympic Games, because this is an achievement for the residents of Rio de Janeiro, for Brazilians, and for people from all countries and corners of the world who visit Rio de Janeiro. Regarding the Zika virus, Brazil has complied with all protocols to combat the mosquito and has maintained close interaction with the World Health Organization, achieving good results. The first good result is the massive participation of the population. As for security, which is a very serious issue and can never be underestimated, Brazil has made every effort, and Rio de Janeiro, as you mentioned in your question, has a tradition of hosting important events, such as the World Youth Day with the Pope, the 2014 World Cup final, the Confederations Cup, Rio+20, and the Pan American Games, and will host the Copa América in 2019. Therefore, all protocols have been followed, all forces have been deployed, both from the armed forces and public security forces, and cooperation with over 100 countries that will send police to participate in the Command and Control Center, assisting in the intelligence and security operations of the Olympic Games.
RO: Let’s talk about the legacy of the Olympic Games. Organizing the Olympics is not cheap for any country that has gone through this experience, and it is also not cheap for the taxpayer who contributes their taxes to this type of event. What do you expect from the legacy of these Olympics for the city? We know that one of the arenas will be transformed into a school shortly after, but what other legacies can we expect from these games?
LP: First, it is important to note a fundamental fact: the organization of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro had 60% private capital, in partnership with private investors, and only 40% public money, from taxes paid by taxpayers. It is the cheapest organization of the Olympic Games since Barcelona in 1992, costing practically half of what London spent in 2012. Regarding the legacy, in addition to the facilities that will remain for the city, allowing for sports practice, some areas will be converted into schools, training centers, or leisure areas. We have also made many investments in infrastructure for the city. Something I consider fundamental: the Olympics will inspire Brazilian children and youth to practice sports in their various modalities. It is a challenge for the government to ensure that these modalities have places where Brazilians from all regions can practice.
RO: Now, to finish, you mentioned judo, which seems to be Brazil’s big bet in these Olympic Games. But I can’t let the Minister of Sports end this interview without asking which sport or sports he will be cheering for?
LP: Look, I will be cheering for all Brazilian athletes, both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. I hope our delegation has the greatest success possible. I practiced judo when I was a child, so it is one of the sports I will follow closely. Nowadays, I practice road cycling and will also follow this sport and other modalities. We have football, which is a passion for Brazilians, beach volleyball, which are sports that Brazil loves and follows closely. But anyway, basketball, athletics, and swimming, all Olympic modalities.
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