Despite financial and organizational problems "that have delayed other construction projects for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the largest athletes' village in the long history of the Games was unveiled in the city on Wednesday," according to Ian Rodricks of REUTERS. The village "will host more than 18,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes, officials, staff and volunteers in 31 buildings and more than 3,600 apartments." It "will be equipped with video games, musical instruments, beauticians, psychologists, a multi-faith religious centre, swimming pools and tennis courts." The first athletes "are expected to arrive at the village on July 24 ahead of the Aug. 5-21 Olympics" (REUTERS, 6/16). REUTERS' Brittany Vonow reported the Rio Games athletes' village has been praised as the "most beautiful" yet. With the countdown to the Olympics down to just 50 days, IOC President Thomas Bach praised the complex, saying, "It’s one of the most beautiful Olympic villages I have ever seen. It is the heart of the Games and it’s from here that the Olympic message will be spread to Brazil and the world." The village, which was built with funds provided by the private sector, "is based in the Olympic Park at Barra da Tijuca where most of the events will take place." Those staying in the complex will be fed by a team of 2,500 people, "working around the clock to provide meals" (REUTERS, 6/16).
