Brazilian Sports Minister Announces $3M Investment In Mineirinho Arena Renovations

Brazilian Sports Minister George Hilton gave a firm push to continue renovations of Minas Gerais state sports complexes, according to GAZETA ESPORTIVA. After "announcing an investment" of R$10M ($3.1M) toward renovating the Mineirinho Arena, Hilton "promised to take over and finalize construction," which began around 10 years ago. The renovations have been planned to happen alongside those of the Minerão stadium, one of the sites of 2016 Olympic football. The Mineirinho "has not been tended to due to lack of funds for the investment." However, the Mineirinho "will host three official events this year," two being for the Brazilian national team (GAZETA ESPORTIVA, 3/21). Hilton said, "It is an important government plan of revitalizing these national sport complexes. The Mineirinho is part of a plan delegated by [organizing committee] Rio 2016. The federal government wants the main [state] capitals in the country to at least have one gym, one track and one Olympic pool" (Ministério do Esporte).