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Brazilian officials have signed a protocol to ensure that a single entity, the Olympic Development Authority (ODA), will coordinate public services and deliver infrastructure for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The agreement was signed on Friday at the state government’s palace by the minister of sport, Orlando Silva, the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Sérgio Cabral, and the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes. The ceremony was also attended by the president of the Rio 2016 bid committee, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, IOC member in Brazil, João Havelange, and Rio 2016’s general secretary, Carlos Roberto Osório.

Rio 2016 modeled its ODA after the Olympic Delivery Authority established for the London 2012 Olympic Games. This model was pioneered for the 2000 Sydney Games. The Brazilian model was improved and adapted to national characteristics and designed to promote transparency and agility. It will ensure total coordination between the three levels of government, guaranteeing the quality of all services and full compliance with Olympic deadlines.

The ODA will have divisions dedicated to areas such as traffic and transport, and sustainability. It will develop processes to ensure the delivery of infrastructure projects within planned schedules and will supervise urban renovation projects. It will also be responsible for coordinating and managing all of the legacies of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games; consequently, it will remain active until December 31, 2020.

“The Olympic Development Authority will work closely with the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee to do everything necessary for the staging of the event,” said Nuzman. “The Games will transform the city, bringing benefits and opportunities for residents through new infrastructure and social and environmental programs. The support of the three levels of government guarantees that the event will be delivered with excellence and in total security.”

According to Minister Silva, the ODA will start working immediately should Rio de Janeiro be chosen by the IOC. “In this way, as well as honoring the commitments made in our bid by the federal, state and municipal governments, we will ensure a consistent standard of quality for all public infrastructure and services. We will take great care of the Games’ legacies for Brazil and the city of Rio de Janeiro. This is a question of honor. We are certain that the IOC is confident in our capacity to organize the greatest sports event in the world,” he said.

Governor Cabral stressed the cooperation of the three levels of government in Rio de Janeiro. “This agreement assures the Olympic Family that Rio de Janeiro will be fully able to hold the Olympic Games and meet the high expectations of the IOC, athletes and the world. This is an amazing opportunity for South America and Brazil, and this agreement shows that the authorities are aware of their responsibility,” he said.

Rio de Janeiro’s campaign to host the 2016 Games is entering a decisive phase. Rio and the other candidate cities have until February 12 to submit their detailed bid files to the IOC. These documents will provide the basis for technical analysis by the IOC. The election of host city for the 2016 Olympic Games will take place on 2 October 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“The signing of this protocol shows the commitment of everyone to this fantastic project that is Rio 2016. It is certain that we can stage an incredible Olympic Games,” concluded Paes.

(Source: Rio 2016)