Only 500 days separate us from the start of the Games of Rio 2016. The countdown for the XXXI Olympic Games, which will be held in Brazil from 5 to 21 August, continues. The Brazilian city was elected during the IOC session of 2 October 2009 in Copenhagen, beating Madrid in the final vote. The most important sporting event will be held in South America for the first time.

The Olympic programme will include golf and rugby sevens. 10,500 athletes from 205 countries will compete in 43 disciplines over the 17 days of the Games. The events will be held in four areas: Barra, Copacabana, Maracanà (which will host the Opening Ceremony) and Deodoro, while the full programme of the event will go live in two Olympic Parks: Barra Olympic Park and Deodoro Olympic Park. The event is intended to deeply change the heart of the Brazilian city, aiming to accelerate the development process in terms of infrastructure, transport, security and hospitality. Italy has already earned itself 19 Olympic Quotas for Rio 2016: 10 for Sailing (in 7 classes), 6 for Skeet shooting, and 3 for Shooting.