The Rio 2016 Olympic Games might be geographically distant from China, but its mark can be felt through the numerous "Made in China" mascots, uniforms, security apparatus, and telecommunications equipment.
MASCOTS WITH CHINESE FLAIR
The vivid mascots of the Olympic Games, Vinicius and Tom, became hot commodities after they were put on sale.
These mascots are available in various sizes as plushies, which have rapidly become favorites in shopping baskets in Brazil and around the world. Behind these is a Chinese company, Honav, which is an official franchise firm of the International Olympic Committee.
Chen Shaoshu, president of Honav, told Xinhua that "Honav became associated with the Olympics a long time ago, back in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. We were manufacturers for Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 before being signed up for Beijing 2008 as an official franchise company."
In Rio, Chen has been preoccupied by the huge boom in demand for his products, as "sales were not good prior to the Games."
Carlos Nuzman, president of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, has been very satisfied with Honav, calling it a company known for good quality, creative design and the sustainable development of its products.
Chen told Xinhua that Honav designed over 1,110 products for Rio 2016, including over 5 million units. However, he explained that "tourists, spectators and athletes are buying products with a speed we had not imagined. Certain products are already on limited sales every day."
BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Inside the main entrance of the Rio 2016 headquarters, a banner proudly displays the Olympic sponsors, including 361º and Gree. 361º has supplied uniforms for the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, as well as for a number of delegations, including Greece and South Africa. Gree, on the other hand, installed all the air conditioning inside of venues.
The 361º sports clothing brand became an official supplier for Rio 2016 in October 2013, with all volunteers, officials and employees of the Olympic and Paralympic Games wearing its gear.
Gree celebrated its entry into the Olympic Family in July 2016, with its air conditioners being set up in venues, the Olympic Village, the Media Village, official hotels and airports.
What's more, some official equipment for judo, taekwondo, wrestling, athletics and cycling events was provided by TaiShan Sports.
Bian Zhiliang, president of TaiShan Sports, explained that the standard for Olympic sports equipment used to always be according to European rules. "This time, equipment for the likes of judo, taekwondo and wrestling will be of a Chinese standard," he added.
Chinese company DHS has provided the Olympic table tennis tables while Tinsue provided the floors for this event, showing China's expertise in the sport.
"MADE IN CHINA" EVERYWHERE
Close to the famous Maracana Stadium in Rio, Chen Yongjian, director of Nuctec in Brazil, is always ready to respond to any need for maintenance or repairs on any of his security equipment.
Chinese firm Nuctec has provided all security equipment, including X-ray and body scanners, at the entrances of Olympic zones, such as Maracana, Deodoro, Barra da Tijuca and Copacabana.
"During the 2014 World Cup, the quality of Nuctec equipment was recognized by Brazil, which decided to continue using our products for the Olympics," Chen told Xinhua.
Besides Nuctec, China's Dahuatech won a tender to supply over 80 percent of all security cameras in stadiums. Dahuatech ended up providing close to 2,000 HD cameras, helping security personnel with their inspections.
China's public State Grid electricity company is in charge of supplying power to all stadiums in Rio and the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia, with the successful Opening Ceremony being a particular feather in State Grid's cap.
Before the Games, virtually every venue saw Sany construction machines in operation. Furthermore, all the trains for line 4 of the Rio line, nicknamed "the Olympic Metro", were made by China's CRRC Corporation.
