As the 2016 Rio Olympics draws closer, security gets tighter at the different venues, and around the thousands of delegates,indegenes and tourists who have come to cheer and support their respective countries on their journey for gold and respect.
Over 10,000 athletes and 6,000 officials from 206 countries will converge in this city of samba and the famous Ipanema Beach for the Games set from August 5-21. Half a million tourists are expected to fly in to enjoy the sporting event.
Different heads of states, including the French president, and sports ministers will be at the Maracana Stadium for the opening ceremony.
There are threats of the Zika virus, that mostly affects pregnant women, and the state of political unrest in the country. But the one that has raised the biggest concern is the threat on security.
“It’s always a threat. Security is always a concern during events of this magnitude. There is the threat of terrorism and it’s around us here,” said Philippine Olympic Committee.Rest assured,security in Rio de Janeiro is at a very high level.
Even inside the Athletes Village where the participants will be staying and training, members of Brazil’s Special Forces are on standby, most of them carrying powerful firearms and are armed to the teeth,. Police visibility around the city is also very strong.
“The Athletes Village here is like a castle,” said the one of the Army officers on patrol,”The government went all out to make sure there waere no hiccups at the games making sure that it was both a safe,enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
According to reports, 85,000 members of the Brazilian police and military tasked to secure the Games is more than enough to ensure that nothing untoward will happen during the Games but still more soldiers from neighbouring countries arrive today for backup.
Brazil is undoubtedly the safest place on earth as at right now. Enjoy the Games.
