Rio 2016 opens Olympic Equestrian Centre

The venue, which is located within the Deodoro Olympic Park, will host the Aquece Rio International Horse Trials from 6-9 August. Following the sailing, volleyball, triathlon and rowing competitions, this will be the fifth Rio 2016 test event. It will try out various operations planned for the Games next year and will test a wide range of components, such as the field of play, accreditation, and results and timing technology.

In all, 40 departments and 102 staff from the Rio 2016 Organising Committee will work on the event, as well as nearly 500 volunteers. Although the competition will be closed to the public, 1,200 guests including members from 16 National Federations such as Great Britain, Germany and the Netherlands will be in attendance to watch the 13 competing riders.

Alex Titan, the Rio 2016 equestrian competition manager, said: “The presence of foreign federations is very important for our test. They will help us to analyse the event’s structure and facilities, which will be the same as in the Games, and the flow of operations.

“They will also, naturally, observe the competing riders’ experience and take back some tips and guidance to their countries’ athletes.”

Originally built for the 2007 Pan-American Games, the Olympic Equestrian Centre has been expanded for the Olympic Games. The venue will host all the Rio 2016 equestrian competitions.

Find out more about the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at www.rio2016.com