In preparation for Rio 2016, the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) inaugurated the Brazilian Team Artistic Gymnastics Training Center this Friday morning (January 16.01). Present at the event were dignitaries such as Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes, Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation President Luciene Resende, and COB President Carlos Arthur Nuzman, who took the opportunity to thank those who have facilitated this evolution of the national sport. "I want to express my gratitude, especially to the coaches and athletes who have dedicated themselves throughout this time, for transforming Brazilian gymnastics into one of the best in the world," said Nuzman.

Several gymnasts also attended the event, where they did a quick training session to capture photos for the press. Flamengo athletes Jade Barbosa, Rebeca Andrade, Letícia Costa, Isabelle Cristtina, Julie Kim, Milena Theodoro, Maria Cecília Oliveira, and Thauany de Araújo performed. Coaches Ricardo Pereira, Keli Kitaura, and Francisco Porath, land sports coordinator Luisa Parente, and the club's architect Melissa Paim also represented Flamengo at the inauguration of the training center. "This proximity to home is really great. We can stay focused all week and come home on the weekend and have all the support of our families. It makes a huge difference," said Jade about the importance of training in Rio de Janeiro. 

Rebeca Andrade was another gymnast who emphasized the importance of the new training center for the athletes. "It's very beautiful, cool, large, and unique. I thought it was incredible. It was good because they thought about the athletes' rest, with a cafeteria and study center, and we're training very close to the competition venue. Acclimatization will be easier. We'll be more accustomed to it," she said.

The training center, located in the Barra Arena, will become the official training site for the Brazilian men's and women's national teams. The gymnasts who will compete in the 2016 Olympic Games were previously training in Três Rios, in the interior of Rio de Janeiro state.