Rio unveils Olympic village to media

The athletes' village for Rio 2016 has been unveiled to the international media as the city ramped up final preparations for this year's Olympic Games.

The milestone coincided with Olympic Day on Thursday -- the official anniversary of the International Olympic Committee -- and marked one month almost to the day until the first athletes are expected to arrive at the complex, reports Xinhua.

The village will be home to more than 17,000 athletes and officials during the Olympics and 6,000 people during the Paralympics.

It includes a 24-hour gym, multi-faith center, florist, convenience stores, bank, post office, hairdresser and beauty salon. A vast food hall will serve more than 60,000 meals a day during the Games period.

According to village director Mario Cilenti, a training program for village volunteers will be held next week.

"Having a well-prepared team is fundamental to the success of the village," Cilenti told Rio2016.com.

Brazilian basketball great Janeth Arcain has been named mayor of the village. Among her task will be to welcome athletes and officials to the village and ensure all their needs are catered for.

"For me, taking on this role is like winning a medal," Arcain said.

The now retired 47-year-old holds the record for the most Olympic points scored. She was a member of the Brazil team that won the 2004 world championship and picked up silver and bronze medals for Brazil at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympics respectively.

The Olympics will be held from August 5-21 and the Paralympics from September 7-18.

--IANS

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