(ATR) International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge says the construction now underway for the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro appear on track to deliver a major legacy - and a possible Olympic bid.
The IOC president toured the two major construction projects for the games, a new stadium for athletics events and high-rise apartments that will become the Pan American Village, housing 7,500 athletes and officials.
"I was impressed. It's going to be a tremendous Pan American Games and at the same time it will leave a great legacy for the city, in terms of sports infrastructure and urban development," said Rogge following his trip.
The IOC leader is on a four-day visit to Brazil, timed for this week's General Assembly for PASO, the Pan American Sports Organization.
His first stop on Tuesday's venue tour was the Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange. The 45,000 seat arena in the city's west, near fabled football ground Maracana, bears the name of the former FIFA president who is now the doyenne of the IOC.
From there, the tour led by Brazilian Olympic Committee President Carlos Arthur Nuzman headed south to the Barra da Tijuca, a developing suburb on the fringe of Rio. That's the location where a Pan American Village is rising, several of the towers finished and model apartments outfitted for inspection.
On whether these projects make it possible for Rio de Janeiro to make a bid for the Olympics in 2016, Rogge say the question is up to Brazil to decide. He says in addition to hearing about interest in an Olympics bid, he hears about the possibility of Brazil hosting the 2014 World Cup.
"To bid for the two is not impossible, but this is something that must be decided. The question is what is Brazil, what is Rio prepared to do?" he asked.
"Having said that," Rogge continued, "I think the Pan American Games will be excellent preparation for a bid for the Olympic Games."
Earlier in the day, Brazil Olympic Committee President Carlos Arthur Nuzman led the Pan Am 2007 team through a three-hour presentation to the PASO General Assembly on progress towards the games.
In addition to a seeming problem-free construction schedule, marketing for the Pan Ams could set a record in 2007. Marketing chief Leonardo Gryner tells Around the Rings sponsorship has reached 80% of the targeted goal of $40 million.
More on the scene coverage of the Pan Am meetings in Rio de Janeiro through the week in www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only.
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