Organizers of the 2016 Summer Games inaugurated the event's Olympic Village on Wednesday in Rio de Janiero, Brazil's Sport Ministry said, according to dpa. International Olympic Committee chair Thomas Bach presided over the ceremony, calling the housing for athletes competing in the Olympic and Paralympic Games "one of the most beautiful Olympic Villages I have ever seen," according to a press release issued by the government's sport authority. The complex in Rio's western Barra de Tijuca neighbourhood is built to house 17,950 people in 3,604 apartments, spread over 31 buildings, and is LEED certified by the Green Building Council. After the Olympic and Paralympic Games in August and Septmber, the development will be converted to luxury condominiums. "Athletes will face one of the toughest competitions of their lives and at the same time, will live together in peace," Bach said. "They will celebrate together here, and send a message of peace and respect to the whole world." The summer Olympic Games will be August 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro. The Paralympic Games take place September 7-18.
