Brazil has met the challenge of organizing the Confederations Cup, says Minister of Sport

In an event held today in Rio de Janeiro to offer an overview of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, which concluded yesterday, Brazil’s Minister of Sport Aldo Rebelo gave a brief account of the measures taken by the federal government to guarantee the success of the tournament, from providing sports venues to security, telecommunications, transportation and tourism infrastructure.

"I think that in addition to the great feast of football we all enjoyed yesterday at the Maracanã, Brazil also made a great effort to host a sporting event that the whole world most looks forward to: the Confederations Cup. Brazil was required to build attractive modern stadiums and host the tournament, as well as to guarantee the security of all," said Minister Rebelo, continuing: "I believe we have met all these challenges. Of course, no country in the world manages to satisfy such challenges 100 percent, but we managed to succeed not only in football, but also in organization."

An additional challenge noted by the Minister - given the democratic demonstrations that occurred during the tournament - was to guarantee the safety of demonstrators, fans and foreign delegations.

"I don’t think anyone was bothered by the demonstrations. They happened because we live in a democracy. If there were excesses, this was the work of vandals. But it is important that, with these demonstrations, we learn to anticipate issues and solutions that will be the legacy for the Cup, including improvements in transportation and public security. All of this can be improved. Likewise, we can build a football framework that enhances Brazil’s share in the GDP of world football, valorizes the sport as a platform for social development, and improves the structure of the clubs so that children have the opportunity for social ascension through their talent within these modern stadiums," he said.

Minister Rebelo also emphasized how Brazil benefited economically by hosting the Confederations Cup. "Apex-Brasil brought over 900 international business executives around the tournament, which contributed to domestic job creation and income generation," he stated.

Addressing the current social climate of Brazil, Minister Rebelo commented that challenges will always exist and it is important to face them, not ignore them.

"Problems do occur and we can never hide that fact. We are a country in construction. We are proud of our civilizing process. In Brazil, we disdain ethnic, religious and racial prejudice, and everyone can sense this in our society. However, we are still a socially and regionally inequitable country. These demonstrations do not happen by chance, and we will take advantage of every opportunity to progress" he concluded.

For more information contact Kathleen Lowry at kathleen.lowry@fleishman.com.

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