By Nick Butler at the Rio 2016 Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro

Rio 2016 HeadquartersMarch 19 - Although every Olympics should be unique Rio 2016 must learn from the successful elements of Sochi 2014, International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission head Nawal El Moutawakel claimed here this morning.


Speaking at the Opening Address of the latest Commission visit, and the first this year, El Mouwatakel admitted every edition of the Games should have unique elements, and Rio 2016 will consequently be distinct from the Games in London and Sochi.

But the Moroccan, also a vice-president of the IOC, added "all Games should also have common elements" before explaining aspects of Sochi 2014 which could be emulated.

"Sochi achieved operational excellence through a focus on athletes, an attention to detail and excellent public and political support," she said.

"Their creativity and effective partnerships could be learnt from.

"Sochi rose to the challenge by having strong lines of commitment and responsibility from figures ranging from the Deputy Prime Minister to the Mayor - and it was also able to rely on partners for good lines of cooperation."

Opening of the Coordination Commission in RioThe opening of the Coordination Commission in Rio today ©ITG

Despite a build-up riddled by criticism of human rights abuse, high expenditure and concerns over security, environmental damage and corruption, both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi were largely considered a huge success.

In addition to being a summer rather than a winter version, Rio is being billed as a very different style of Games in comparison with Sochi due to the diverse nature of the two cities, as well as the vast culture, political and economic differences between Russia and Brazil.

But some similar concerns, including in relation to the environment and expenditure, are relevant with regards to Rio as well.

After last September's IOC Coordination Commission visit focused on the former factor this week´s visit is expected to focus more on the latter following the unveiling of an organisational budget earlier this year which was a 27 per cent increase above original estimations

Following several changes to proposed venues, including the location of media hotels, Games venues are also expected to play a leading role this week ahead of a venue tour to be undertaken by the Commission members tomorrow.

The site of the inaugural Olympic golf competition pictured last November is commanding particular attentionThe site of the inaugural Olympic golf competition, pictured last November, is commanding particular attention ©Getty Images

But beginning on a general level, El Mouwatekal spoke about the most important things an Organising Committee must focus upon if a Games is to successful.

"Athletes should be at the core, there should be good leadership and governance and operational excellence as well as engagement with both the public and major stakeholders in an effort to inspire record audiences," she said.

She underlined the importance of the first test event in August, which will be a first opportunity to show levels of willingness, before concluding by describing how "Sochi was a great success but now it is the turn of Rio and Brazil."

"Rio will produce a unique and memorable Games," she added.

"Let us get to work today to ensure that."

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