Brazil announces 2016 Olympic Games promotion plan in London

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's Olympic Committee (COB) announced on Thursday major investments in promotion of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games during the London Olympics next month.

According to COB President Carlos Arthur Nuzman, who also presides over the Rio Olympics and Paralympics Organization Committee, Brazil will spend 50 million reais ($24.75 million) on actions to promote the Rio Games in London.

A special space, named the Casa Brasil (Brazil House), will be set up in London to show the culture, art, food, and attractions of Brazil. The 2,200 square meters area will be located in the Somerset House, and will include promotion activities of the Rio Games as well.

The Brazil House has been a regular promotion activity since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

"The goals and expectations are the promotion of Brazil and Rio and the changes which will result from the Games," Nuzman said.

Official 2016 Olympic Games merchandise will be sold in the Brazil House, which will also host a small Brazilian film festival, as well as expositions on Brazilian art and customs.

In addition to the Brazil house activities, musical concerts with renowned Brazilian artists will be held in London as well.