The measure, published on the COB website, is part of the Emergency Program to Support the Olympic System, which began on May 18, a date that marked two months of social isolation.
The first destination of Brazilian athletes will be Portugal, chosen by the COB for presenting positive numbers with regard to combating COVID-19. In addition, Portugal will also be the main acclimatization base for Team Brazil for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
According to COB vice president Marco Antônio La Porta Júnior, the goal is to keep athletes in a safe environment.
“For the COB, it is worrying to see our athletes without training conditions due to the real need to maintain isolation to control the pandemic in the country. We know how important it is to win the battle against the coronavirus, while working for Team Brasil to be on an equal conditions with its main opponents.”
The costs - tickets, accommodation and food - will be paid by the COB for six months. The funds for the payment of these expenses will come from the Olympic Preparation Program, from the Lottery Law, which provides a budget of R$ 15 million (US$2.85m) for the entity.
In addition to the so-called Mission Portugal, the COB will allocate R$ 7 million (US$ 1.35m) to the Olympic Confederations, equally, to fight the pandemic of COVID-19. This contribution will be used to purchase, for example, tests and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Emergency Program to Support the Olympic System also confirmed the release of R$ 10 million (US$1.9m) for projects related to the sports development area with the Confederations.
Source: GMB / IstoÉ Dinheiro
