Brazilian officials say they are 100 percent ready for Olympics in Rio

World Today

The Summer Olympic Games are just five months away. And Rio de Janeiro faces challenges ranging from the Zika virus to an economic crisis. But officials say the sporting venues are nearly 100 percent ready.

CCTV’s Lucrecia Franco reports from Rio de Janeiro.
Follow Lucrecia C. Franco on Twitter @LucreciaFranco

It is Brazil’s most iconic city, and when it won the bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics seven years ago, Rio de Janeiro started a massive makeover to become a new city: Olympic Rio.

Rio has been split into four hubs for the Olympics. The main one is the Barra Olympic Park in the city’s western area. Once a motor racing venue, it will stage most of the sports.

Then, there is Deodoro Olympic Park, located in a modest northwest neighborhood that will host BMX cycling and canoeing competitions.

In the north zone, archery events will be held in the Sambodrome, home of Rio’s famous Carnival parade. And nearby, the famous Maracana stadium will stage the opening and closing ceremonies.

And in the south zone, Copacabana beach and surrounding areas will notably host swimming events and other outdoor sports.

20 kilometers (over 12 miles) of subway lines are being built, and 150 kilometers (93 miles) of rapid bus lanes added, to help transport visitors and will serve to unite an outstretched and divided city.

Despite Brazil’s many troubles, authorities say they’re confident that when August comes, Rio will be a much improved city, ready to show the world a great spectacle.