Speaking at a press conference prior to the opening of the Olympics, Mayor Eduardo Paes promised the Rio 2016 Olympics would be “legacy” games, leaving a lasting impact on Rio. Rio Metro’s Linha 4 and the BRT are already underway and improving transportation from Rio’s center and Zona Sul to Zona Oeste. And yet, Olympics have benefitted at least a select few of the favela’s residents. Residents of the favela believe the façade is meant to disguise them from tourists, while organizers claim it is merely decorative – a striking metaphor for the different perceptions of the preparations for the Rio Olympic Games. While Paes and other officials praise the new Olympic constructions, local activists say their communities have been demolished to make way for Olympic infrastructure.

Source: The Bubble August 12, 2016 13:52 UTC