Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics
Rio de Janeiro is nearly finished constructing its Athletes Village. The 835 million US dollar complex -- which includes apartments, malls, and banks -- is the largest in the history of the Games, and IOC President Thomas Bach headed to Brazil to take a final look before the site opens in late July.
A simple but happy ceremony to hand over Rio's Olympic Village to the International Olympic Committee. The IOC President Thomas Bach said he was impressed.
"This is definitely the most beautiful Olympic Village I have ever seen. In this Olympic Village, the heart of the Olympic Games Rio 2016 will beat," said Thomas Bach IOC President.
Built from scratch with private funds, the Athletes Village is huge, actually the largest in history. During the Games, around 18,000 people will be living here, from athletes to coaches.
"It's a self-contained city with 31 buildings and more than 3,600 apartments. The Village will also feature malls, medical clinics, and banks among other facilities to make the athletes feel at home," said Lucrecia Franco Rio de Janeiro.
Bach stressed that, during their stay in the Village, the world's top athletes will send a much-needed message of unity.
"They will prepare for the competitions, but at the same time they will dine together, they will discuss together, and in doing so, sending a strong message of understanding, peace, and respect," said Thomas Bach IOC President.
The Village is located in Barra da Tijuca, next to the Olympic Park, the hub that will stage most of the Olympic sports in August, and the Paralympics in September. Though full access to the Village is not allowed yet, Brazil's Paralympic Gymnastics Coordinator said it is a totally inclusive housing for athletes with disabilities.
"I think they will feel great here because the apartments are adapted, the Village is all adapted. It is going to be great for what I have tested myself," said Georgette Vidor Brazil Paralympic Gymnastics Coordinator.
But after the Olympic Torch goes out, the Village will be transformed into this -- a residential complex in a city that hopefully will have good and long-lasting memories. Bach has already approved it.
