Exclusive: Nuzman Confident Protests Will Not Disrupt a ‘safe and secure’ Rio 2016

September 4, 2013

By Steve Moorhouse

The President of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is confident that the event will be ‘safe and secure’ despite widespread protests during the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Protestors took to the streets during the Confederations Cup in June to demonstrate against the high cost of public funding used to host the event and the World Cup in 2014.

Carlos Nuzman, ask President of Rio 2016 and the Brazilian Olympic Committee however was confident that protests would not disrupt the Olympic Games in three years’ time.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Nuzman said: “True to our democratic character as a nation, we fully respect peaceful demonstrations, but we strongly condemn the acts of violence carried out by a small minority.

“We are confident that Brazilians will unite to show the best of Brazil in 2016 and welcome the world with our famous Carioca (local, native) passion and warmth.”

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Protests at the Confederations Cup were initially sparked by an increase in bus fares and Nuzman said the Rio 2016 Games would transform Brazilians’ lives.

“At the heart of the Rio 2016 Games is a commitment to bringing positive transformation to the city of Rio and the everyday lives of Cariocas through the delivery of improvements in areas such as transport, infrastructure, security and sports participation,” said Nuzman.

Stadiums will be ready

Brazil has also come under scrutiny for security at some of their stadiums, with the Joa Havelange stadium indefinitely closed due to concerns with the stability of the roof.

Nuzman moved to ease these fears and added: “We are fully confident that the Rio de Janeiro city government is taking the necessary steps to ensure the Olympic Stadium is ready for the Games in three years’ time and for the test events that precede them.

“The issues with the roof are currently being addressed and the Stadium is due to be reopened next year.

“We are fully confident that Rio 2016 will be safe and secure Games and that our venues will give athletes every opportunity to perform at their very best and in doing so, inspire the world with their feats.”

Read the full interview with Carlos Nuzman here 

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