The average person will tell you almost anything can be done. There is an old saying; all big ideas meet with opposition and all big things have been accomplished by men and women who stuck to their big idea. Tomorrow, Rio 2016 will celebrate one year to go to the opening ceremony of the first ever Olympic Games in South America.
The Olympics is about setting big goals. Rio and Brazil had a dream to host an Olympic Games. The South American nation hosted the 2007 Pan Am Games as a test of their capabilities. They would have learned some valuable lessons and used those lessons and experiences to inform their winning bid.
In the face of some well-publicised issues including the awful state of the location for sailing, Rio is in a stepped up mode with one year to go. Their ambition to host a successful Olympic Games is upon them. For national Olympic committees one year to go is also an important milestone since there is an intensity and focus that is elevated. The pressure starts to build.
With the increased focus on Rio 2016, sponsors wake up to the opportunity but in most cases the long-standing partners become very rigorous in ensuring that their rights are activated. One year to go to Rio. The realisation that the big moment is on the horizon. Marketing efforts start to mount.
Rio 2016 one year to go.
Reports suggest that about 500,000 visitors will travel to Rio next year. Airlines will be stretched to the max. Finding accommodation is going to be challenging and with an Olympic premium. The Rio Olympic Organisers have signed Airbnb. In respect of the commercial use of the Olympic properties there are standards, protection of the value of the Olympic properties.
The use of the Olympic properties must be aligned with the Olympic values. Any use of Olympic properties that is perceived to devalue the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Games, and that detract from the Olympic ideals will not be approved. All rights to the Olympic symbol and other Olympic properties belong exclusively to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and can only be used with the express prior written consent of the IOC.
It is important for the public and corporate T&T to appreciate that the role of partners in promoting the Olympic Movement and the Olympic values must not be underestimated. Olympic partners play a vital role in communicating the Olympic symbol by sponsorship activation not only during the period of the Olympic Games, but 365 days a year.
Everyone associated with the Olympic Games have big ideas and goals. The T&T Olympic Committee and its athletes, coaches, managers and administrators and medical support staff also have high aspirations. One year to go to Rio. One year to go is for some a wake up call, while for others it’s simply another phase in a well structured long term plan.
It is going to be an exciting but challenging 365 days.
Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.