Energy Efficient Cauldron for Rio

(ATR) Rio 2016 will keep their pledge of sustainability all the way to the Olympic cauldron.

Rio 2016 organizing committee communications head Mario Andrada confirmed to Around the Rings that the cauldron to house the Olympic Flame in Rio de Janeiro will be designed to reduce energy output.

"We are looking for a cauldron that uses as little gas as possible," Andrada said. "We are committed to a sustainable Games."

ATR learned that the design of the torch will feature an array of mirrors that will help make the flame look larger than it is due to the use of less gas in the cauldron. Rio 2016 could not confirm this design feature, although they would not rule it out.

The final location of the cauldron after it is lit in the Maracana Stadium remains to be decided according to Andrada.

Rio 2016 confirms that it will most definitely be in downtown of Rio de Janeiro, but comments by Mayor Eduardo Paes saying the cauldron will be near newly built square Praca Maua and Candelária church has raised doubts.

Andrada confirmed those are both "good guesses," for the downtown location, which will certainly be iconic. The final location where the cauldron will rest after the Opening Ceremony and before the Closing Ceremony remains to be determined.

Downtown Rio de Janeiro was the "obvious choice" for the cauldron location according to Andrada, given its proximity to both the Maracana and Olympic Stadium and that it offered Olympic tourists a chance to see the flame during days when both venues are not in use.

Written by Aaron Bauerin Geneva

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