Your Rio Olympics 7 FACTS !
The Rio 2016 Olympics are underway as the whole world gathers to compete in what is regarded as the biggest and most prestigious sporting event in world sport.
The opening and the closing ceremony will take place in the Maracanã Stadium with the games running from the 5th of August to the 21st of August.
The Zika Virus remains the major threat at the games, but Brazil itself and the IOC has assured the athletes and spectators that the virus is being controlled and Brazil will be a safe and healthy place.
To get you in the Olympics mood below are some interesting facts you need to know about the games.
1. Golf is making a return
Golf is back on the roster for the first time in over 100 years. This brings much excitement to the games but the only disappointing thing is that some of the biggest golfing names won't be present. The likes of Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy have pulled out because of fears over the Zika Virus.
2. English lessons for Taxi drivers
Rio taxi drivers, who are usually the first point of contact for fans landing in Rio, have been given the chance to learn English for free online - the lessons are provided by the Rio 2016 organising committee to acquit them with basic English conversational skills.
3. Olympics new Generation
Rio will be the first games to have Olympians born in the year 2000. The youngest athletes are usually gymnasts. Lauren Hernandez, 16, is the youngest member of the US team.
4. First Olympics ever in South America
The Rio games will be the first held in South America. The likes of Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia have all hosted before. This means Africa is the only continent to never have hosted the prestigious games.
5. The total costs of the Olympic Games 2016
The games will mount up to 10.24 billion Euro: 6.56 billion Euro for the infrastructure of the city, 1.77 billion Euro for sports facilities, and 1.91 billion Euro for the operation and organisation of the event.
6. Michael Phelps most decorated Olympian
When it comes to the athletes, no one compares to USA swimmer Michael Phelps, who has competed in four previous games. Phelps will be making his 5th Olympics appearance and has a total of 18 Gold medals - seven more than the combined total of all competitors for 2016 hosts Brazil accrued in that time.
7. Games Slogan
The slogan of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro is 'Viva sua paixão', which means 'Live your passion'.
( File Photo - Gallo Images)
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