With the 2016 Olympic Games in mind, the Brazilian Sports Ministry invested R$70M ($22.4M) in running tracks throughout the country, according to the GAZETA PRESS. In total, the plan "includes 15 running tracks in 11 Brazilian states, being that nine of them will be for foreign teams that will travel" for the Games next year. The initiative "integrates" the Brazilian National Training Network, the project that "seeks to leave a sporting legacy in the country after the Olympic Games." Brazilian Sports Minister George Hilton: "Our intention is that, when the Olympic and Paralympic Games are over, this network will permit us to democratize and popularize the sport's foundation." Aside from the tracks that "should be built in time" for the Games, an additional 30 tracks "were entered into the longer plan." The total cost of construction is estimated at R$160M ($51.2M). The Centers for Sport Initiatives (Cies) "will also be integrated in the network, hosting mini complexes for 100 meter" track events. The investment for these centers is "part of the second phase" of the Acceleration of Growth Program (PAC) and "should cost" R$600M ($192M) (GAZETA PRESS, 4/1).
