Playing The Big Game
Gulf Business|August 2016

Global industrial conglomerate GE is playing a significant role in creating the infrastructure for the Rio Olympics. The company is confident it can leverage this experience to contribute to the Gulf Cooperation Council’s upcoming mega events

Aarti Nagraj
Playing The Big Game

Expected to cost a staggering $11.6bn, the Rio Olympics 2016 in Brazil – running from August 5 to 21 – is set to be one of the biggest events of the year.

The sporting spectacle, being held for the first time in South America, is anticipated to welcome more than half a million visitors to the city, meaning there has been a herculean effort from the host country to prepare for the influx. From getting large-scale infrastructure in place to handling small services required by athletes, no stone has been left unturned.

However, the journey has certainly not been smooth for the organisers. From healthcare concerns sparked by the Zika virus to political upheaval and corruption charges, the city has had to endure a spate of challenges in the build-up to the games.

But despite all the problems, the organisers are confident the event will be spectacular and safe.

“In terms of the Zika scare, since the event is taking place in winter, there is expected to be very little activity by mosquitoes. We have also taken several precautions to ensure that athletes are protected,” says Rio 2016’s Organising Committee spokesperson Mario Andrada.

He also insists that security-wise, Brazil is teaming up with several other countries to ensure that visitors and athletes are protected.

Addressing political upheaval following the recent impeachment of former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, he says: “Brazil is a young democracy and is still learning. These changes do affect the games. But we want to keep corruption off and we want the country to make progress.

“We are confident about the situation now because of the constant dialogue that we have with the society.”

He adds: “As the organising committee, we maintain transparency about our funds as well.”

Private connection

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