Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Welcome from the Special Social Communication Secretary of the Presidency ​

Brasília, 28 July 2016

Dear journalist,

Welcome to Brazil.

Marcio Freitas

The tradition of welcoming different peoples and cultures with tolerance and respect is now at an all-time high in Brazil as people from all over the world arrive in the country to experience the excitement of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Throughout the competition period, you will be able to rely on both the Rio Media Centre and the Casa Brasil, which are open to journalists, regardless of accreditation by the International Olympic Committee.

The Rio Media Centre, operated under the responsibility of the city government of Rio de Janeiro, was designed to ensure media professionals have access to a diversified agenda with newsworthy story ideas and appropriate work infrastructure, including broadband internet, Wi-Fi, an auditorium for press conferences and assistance to journalists provided by specialized teams of press officers.

Located in a central area of Rio de Janeiro (at Rua Madre Tereza de Calcutá s/n, Cidade Nova), the Rio Media Centre will operate 24/7 starting on 25 July. The goal is to provide journalists with information about the Games and Brazil, as well as access to official spokespeople. The venue will also offer broadcasting services, radio studios, a diversified cultural agenda and guided tours to tourist attractions. To accredit in advance, please visit the Rio Media Centre website at http://www.riomediacenter.com.br/en/acreditation/.

Journalists will also have free access to the Casa Brasil, a federal government space dedicated to offering cultural and tourist information, exhibitions, events, tastings, business meetings and other activities that will showcase all of Brazil's diversity to the world during the Games.

The Casa Brasil, open from 4 August to 18 September (10 am to 10 pm), is located at the Olympic Boulevard on Pier Mauá, a port area that has gone through an intense revitalization process. The Museum of Tomorrow, the Rio Art Museum and the city government's stage for shows and game broadcasting are all located in the vicinity. More information at casabrasil2016@presidencia.gov.br.

You will find complete information about Brazil and the Games, including the journalist guide, on the federal government's portal for the Rio 2016 Games at http://www.brasil2016.gov.br.

We wish you and your team all the success in your press coverage in Brazil!

Kind regards,
Márcio de Freitas
Special Social Communication Secretary of the Presidency of Brazil