London Talks Rio Transport; Pistorius Holds Memorial; Barclays to Sponsor BOA

London Sends Transport Advice to Rio

The London Assembly sent a letter to Rio de Janeiro with tips for successful transportation at the 2016 Olympics.

"Major transport investment, good passenger information and operator collaboration all led to an effective, smooth-running transport network during summer 2012 – part of the package that made London 2012 such a success," Caroline Pidgeon, chair of the Transport Committee for the Assembly, wrote to Brazilian Ambassador Roberto Jaguaribe.

"Rio faces new – and different – challenges in the run up to the Games in 2016, but London’s experiences can bring lessons to the table that are relevant to all cities planning to host the Olympics, World Cup or other major sporting events," added Pidgeon.

The letter said other areas critical to Games-time success of transportation infrastructure include extensive network testing and commuters’ flexibility with travel plans.

Pistorius Memorial for Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius held a private memorial for Reeva Steenkamp, the girlfriend he fatally shot on Valentine’s Day.

The ceremony took place at the home of his uncle, Carl, on Tuesday night. Pistorius, who awaits trial on charges of pre-meditated murder, has been living with his uncle as part of his bail arrangement

"Oscar specifically requested the memorial service as he continues to grieve and remains in deep mourning for the loss of his partner Reeva," a statement issued by Vuma Reputation Management said.

"Since it is such a sensitive issue, Oscar has asked for a private service with people who share his loss, including his family members who knew and loved Reeva as one of their own."

The statement included a "personal request to the media" to respect the privacy of the event.

Aliyev Meets Military Games Commander-in-Chief

The president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, met with the president of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) Hamad Kalkaba Malboum on Tuesday.

A statement on Aliyev’s official website said Malboum made a "suggestion" that Baku should host the 2019 Military Games and that the "rapid development" of Azerbaijan "made a deep impression on him".

Malboum was in Azerbaijan for an inspection of the CISM World Football Trophy in July.

Barclays to Sponsor BOA

Barclays became the first new sponsor of the British Olympic Association since the rights to Team GB were handed back to the BOA following the London 2012 Olympics.

Barclays will gain marketing rights to Team GB "until and during the summer Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016".

"We are currently engaged in discussions with a number of companies, across a number of different categories, regarding possible sponsorship opportunities," BOA Spokesman Darryl Seibel tellsAround the Rings.

"Those discussions are going well and there continues to be a great deal of interest in supporting Team GB and aligning with the Team GB brand, particularly off the success of London 2012. As a matter of policy, we do not disclose the names of companies with whom we are having discussions."

Only adidas has renewed its sponsorship deal with the BOA since the London Olympics.

Written by Ed Hula III and Aaron Bauer.

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