Obrigado Brasil

Before coming to Brazil, I didn’t really understand why Brazilians tend to be so proud of their country. Now, after having spent almost two months there, I received adequate answers for my questions. Thanks to these wonderful times, I also started to feel proud of my host country and I became a bit Brazilian :) 

In my last ’Olympic Fever’ blog post I am trying to provide a non-biased, objective evaluation of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and my overall experience in Brazil. For sure, it won’t be an easy task as the country and its people had a great impact on me..

On the back side of the card

Undoubtedly, there were a number of issues which jeopardized the success of Rio 2016. One of the main concerns was the security of athletes and supporters. Brazil - and Latin America in general - has never been a safe haven, with many of its metropolises ranked in the top 50 most dangerous cities on earth. From pity crimes, rapes to homicides the variety of local violence is a well-known risk factor. In order to offset the situation, for the time of the Games Rio was taken over by a large number police and military officers and the highest level of security was ensured. Still, two of my friends were pick pocketed in Lapa district and I heard of creepy stories I did not want to believe. On the other hand, I am convinced that major issues can be avoided with a bit of precaution and forward looking mentality: during my two-month stay in Brazil I have never been assaulted and none of my personal belongings was stolen. Moreover, I did not hear about a single case where supporters were seriously harassed by local criminals and not even the story of Mr Lochte turned out to be true.

The level of organisation also accounts for the decreased overall success of the event. From my point of view especially the volunteering program was disorganised: some teams completely lacked adequate workforce and/or proper management which resulted in a number of drop-outs. Many international volunteers received their formal invitations only a month before kickoff time and consequently many of them have to withdraw their applications due to the extremely expensive accommodation and flight prices. Fortunately, my LAN team was one of the bright exceptions which can be mainly explained by our privileged role and professional management. Thanks Mark! 

The issue of half empty stadiums shall be mentioned as well here. In contrary to London Olympic Games many of the stadiums lacked spectators, especially when Brazilian athletes were not involved in the compatition. Tickets were not too expensive, however still many Brazilians could not afford to buy them and apparently many international supporters renounced their trips due to the above mentioned security issues and the alleged zika epidemic. Volunteers were provided free tickets to fill up empty seats in some of the less visited sport events. Maybe, if Mr Hickey (ex-EOC chief who turned out to be a ticket-scalper) manages his business better, there could have been more supporters...

International media: the shame

Media is often considered to be the fourth branch of governments, having the power to influence, direct and brainwash people. If there is a negative aspect not related to the organisation of Rio 2016, it is definitely the approach of international media towards the event. All the bullshit I had to read before, during and after the Games only convinced me about the importance of participatory media and citizen journalism which provide opportunities to better understand the world around us.

Sitting at a press conference in the Lagoon, I was appalled to see the approach of some reporters. There was a man from a well-known press agency who had only one question to ask from the athletes which concerned the water quality of the lagoon. Apparently, he was not interested in the performance of the athletes and he only wanted to hear some nasty stories which can be sold and published on the headlines of major online and offline media. On the other day a French lady contacted me on facebook (!) asking for stories about volunteers who were not satisfied about their jobs and dropped out consequently. Well, she did not find the right person in me as my team was probably one of the best organised and privileged units in the Olympic Stadium.

Brazilians do it better

Notwithstanding these circumstances, I am convinced that IOC made a good decision by giving a chance to a South American country to host the Games. Even if this choice was rather enforced by corrupt decision makers and not the people of Brazil, finally the country was given opportunities (together with the football world cup in 2014) to showcase its culture, hospitability and welcoming spirit to the world. I am truly honoured for having spent two months in this beautiful corner of the world while absorbing various aspects of Brazilian culture. I am particularly grateful to my hosting organisation, Fundacao Gol De Letra, for having me involved in their activities during which I could observe the precious work realized in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. One more time, it was proven to me that sport is a low-cost and effective tool to support educational development of young people coming from difficult circumstances.

The amount of warm welcoming, hospitality and help which I received in Brazil cannot be compared to any other places where I have been on this globe. From the beginning till the last days I met people who were always opened to my words and requests and provided me valuable advices and tips for my stay in Brazil. I have to admit that without my Portunol knowledge I could have had some difficulties in communicating with locals, but I believe a gringo should also know the basic language of his/her host country.

Prior to the Olympic Games Brazilians did not promise the highest level or organisation, but an amazing celebration in which they are undoubtedly experts. In spite of difficulties, people here enjoy life in a way that is unknown for many western-minded people who tend to find their joy and happiness in consumption. Brazilians never forget to enjoy the most important gifts of life from friendly conservations to lengthy and delightful dinners which often end up in cheerful celebrations and dance. From the traditional forró to Brazilian funky this country has everything for those ones who want to enjoy the bright side of life. Of course, we should not forget about Caipirinha! 

The Legacy of Rio 2016

Although I tend to be critical towards the long-lasting impacts of mega sport events, there are certainly some positive improvements which the Rio Olympic Games managed to advance. Through my conversations with local cariocans I found out that many of them are particularly satisfied with the improvements in the infrastructure, especially when it comes to public transport. For instance, due to the newly opened metro 4, Barra district is now better connected to the south part of the city. From my point of view, public transportation worked surprisingly well during the Olympics and most of the venues were well connected and accessible for visitors. The much needed purification of the lagoon’s water also took place due to the Games.

On_the other hand, I also have to mention that the Games did not bring much benefit for the most excluded social groups of Rio de Janeiro. By crossing one of the most notorious favelas of Rio, I spotted a huge graffiti calling for the end of exclusion from the Olympics. In fact, lacking financial means and proper employment opportunities, favela dwellers hardly had any chance to join the biggest event of earth taking place in their own city. From this point of view the social legacy aspect of Rio 2016 can be questioned and we have to admit that these kind of mega-sport events will hardly bring any benefit for the lowest social strata. Sport can only be an instrument in the service of a lengthy social transformation process, however without adequate economic and political wills this transformation might not ever happen.

Closing Remarks

Although many people were convinced that this Olympic Games would be a failure, Rio 2016 turned out to be an unforgettable celebration for the world. Despite the obvious difficulties, organisers made enormous efforts in order to satisfy the needs of an often critical and suspicious international community. Brazilians showcased to the fullest their welcoming nature and hospitability to the rest of the world. Following the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016, Brazil’s global image and perception shall be changed for the better. I personally believe, if the world was inhabited by Brazilians, it would be a more peaceful and happier place! After all, I only have love for this marvellous country and its people! Obrigado! Até logo :)

With this last post my blog came to its end. Hereby, I would like to thank you for the great number of visits and I hope you enjoyed reading my lines. I consider this blog as a success and I look forward to creating a new and better one on my next adventure to Latin America (hopefully)!