The London 2012 sport teams, led by director of sport Debbie Jevans, helped the city stage world-class competition at the Olympics and Paralympics and Rio 2016 have been learning about their processes at the official debrief last month.

The Rio 2016 Sports Council, which is composed of 17 members, met this week to discuss their key objectives and Prado said they must continue to gather together as much as possible.

"It's very important that we meet regularly," said the 47-year-old from São Paulo, a former swimmer who won a silver medal in the men's 400 metre individual medley at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics.

"We see that the work of the London Council brought important results for the Olympic Games and we bet that we would also do a great job cooperating for the Games in 2016."

The Rio 2016 Sport Council is responsible for steering the Organising Committee in functional areas such as the planning and delivery of the sporting competition.

They are also responsible for delivering the services which will be offered to athletes, team officials, technical teams and coaches at Rio 2016.

Another key member of the Council, Maurren Maggi, believes she and her colleagues can be crucial in helping Rio 2016 stage a great Games.

"My goal is to try to collaborate in the best way possible," said Maggi, who won the women's long jump at Beijing 2008 to become the first Brazilian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual sport.

"Brazil has always shown that it is able to organise large events and it is important for me, as a professional athlete, to participate in this Council, sharing my opinion.

"I'm optimistic.

"I also feel that I'm learning how to realise an Olympiad.

"I knew that it was complicated because it is a grandiose event."

The next Sports Council meeting is due to be held in February in Rio de Janeiro.

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