Misterdhee1:
BY ADEDIRAN ADEDAYO ABDULLAHI

SOURCE : http://www.nkenu.com/2016/07/all-you-need-to-know-about-rio-2016.html?m=1


As the Olympics games gathers Impetus, we bring you top facts about this year's edition of the biggest sporting event in the world. Here they are:
- This year's event is to be hosted in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- The event marks the first of its kinds to be hosted in a South American City, and the first games to be held in a Portuguese speaking country.
- The event is to be held between 5th of August to the 21st of the same month. With the opening ceremony to be held in the iconic Maracana Stadium.
- There are 28 Olympic Sports, 41 disciplines, and 306 sets of medals to be vied for. 207 Nations will be competing, with Kosovo and South Sudan as first timers.
- Golfing will make its appearance into the events, after a 112-year absence, together with rugby sevens. Both were added by IOC in 2009.
- The games will be held in 33 venues across 6 Host Cities (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Bello Horizonte, Salvador, Brasilia and Manacus)
- There are 85,000 security forces expected to enforce security across the cities.
- The Olympic mascot is named "VINICIUS" after Brazilian legendary musician, Vinicius de Moraes.
- The country has budgeted $9.7 billion for the competition. The final cost could possibly get as high as $17 billion.
- The country is currently battling with the worst health crisis in her history, with an estimated 1.5 million Brazilians suspected to be infected with Zika Virus according to the Health Ministry.
- 10,500 athletes were billed to participate at the Games, with a Lesser 10,293 athletes confirmed to participate. Many athletes withdrew due to concerns over health concerns, with Zika Virus still on rampant in the Country.
- Some of the top athletes confirmed to miss the Rio Games include;
° Tennis stars like Russian Maria Sharapova (Doping Suspension), World Men's Number 7 Milos Raonia (Canadian, Zika fears), Women's 6th ranked player, Belarusian Victoria Azarenka (Pregnancy), World's No 5, Romanias Simona Halep (Zika Virus Fears).
° Golf stars like Northern Ireland and World No 4, Rory Mclroy , World No. 1, Jason Day, World No. 2, Dustin Johnson; the three due to Zika fears.
° Basketballers, like Kobe Bryant (due to retirement), Blake Griffin (underwent bone marrow procedure on his left quad tendon), Anthony Davis and Chris Paul (post injury layoff)
°Marathon World Record Holder, Dennis Kimetto, due to unspecified reasons.
Get ready for the fun and excitement!