Sport: MyRio

My Rio 2016

As we emerge from the last months of winter, carnival season in Rio is firmly underway, reminding us that it is never too early to start the party. So while the Olympic and Paralympic Games themselves don’t begin until August, the first taste of the Rio 2016 experience began on Monday 25th January with the launch of the ‘My Rio 2016’ mobile application.

The app for iphone and Android gives sports fans all over the world the chance to connect and share in the final preparations for the Games. The app is part of an integrated marketing campaign involving social media platforms designed to get people excited and keep them informed about the Games. Featuring up to date information about Olympic and Paralympic sport, it really is a one stop shop for everything Rio.

The app targets tech savvy sports fans of all ages with competitions and trivia quizzes. For the most recent competition, closing on February 17th users were invited to submit photographs representing the spirit of Rio 2016; winning entries in the under 18 category will be displayed in the athletes village. The winners of the competition judged by Vik Muniz creative director of the Paralympic ceremonies, writer Marcel Ruben Paiva and designer Fred Gelli will win tickets to the opening ceremonies. The organisers have announced further competitions in the coming months as excitement begins to mount for the athletes, spectators and volunteers, who are able to check the progress of their application through the app.

For a sporting event of such epic proportions, digital technology is vital for reaching out to its international fan base, so that whether you’re in Rio or Rome, Olympic fever is on your doorstep.