Off the wire
• Researchers shrink waiting time for DNA diagnostics  • News Analysis: Egypt's "New Suez Canal" promising, yet challenges remain  • Interview: China's financial reform plans sufficient to support RMB's inclusion into SDR  • UN chief urges Burundian president to resume political dialogue  • Roundup: U.S. stocks end lower amid data, earnings  • Hong Kong Children's Choir performs in London  • Roundup: Canadian stock market drops over healthcare, financials selloff  • Interview: Sustainable development agenda pursues economic, social progress while highlighting environment protection  • Brazilian President Rousseff's approval rating plummets to new low  • Urgent: Car bombing hits Afghan capital  
You are here: 　 Home

Manaus signs contract to host Rio 2016 football

Xinhua, August 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

Manaus was confirmed as an Olympic football host city after local government officials signed a contract with the Rio 2016 organizing committee on Thursday.

The Amazonian city will host four men's and two women's matches at Amazonia Arena, Rio2016.com said on Thursday.

The 41,000-capacity venue was built for last year's FIFA World Cup and staged four matches during football's showpiece international tournament.

Apart from the stadium, local fans will also be able to watch matches on giant screens at two "live sites".

Organizers said Thursday's announcement allowed the city government to begin the process of recruiting volunteers.

Applications for volunteer roles opened on Thursday and will close on September 13.

The Rio 2016 education program, Transforma, will seek cooperation with the state and city governments to promote new sports and the Olympic and Paralympic values in 100 local public schools.

Organizers said the program will include eight festivals in Manaus to promote Olympic and Paralympic sports that are uncommon in Brazil, such as badminton and goalball. Endi