Rio de Janeiro may be some 6,000 miles away but supporters of Team GB are set to be taken closer to the action at this summer’s Olympic Games as Coventry is confirmed as an Official Team GB FanZone.

As our nation’s Olympians prepare to recapture the spirit of 2012 – when the United Kingdom came together to support their superhuman efforts – we are pleased to announce that Coventry will host live coverage of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Millenium Place.

The Coventry FanZone’s big screen will be the best place to catch the action and soak up the samba spirit as the nation’s finest athletes aim to make it Team GB’s best ever away Games.

Entry to the FanZone is free and there will also be the opportunity to learn more about how you can participate in some of the Olympic sports that are on show in Brazil this August.

The Coventry FanZone will show live coverage of the Games at selected times between 6 – 21 August offering the chance to share memorable and historic sporting moments amongst fellow fans of Team GB.

Team GB Great, Beth Tweddle, said:

Team GB fans are so passionate and it was fantastic in 2012 to get everyone together at locations across the country.

There is something very special about everyone coming together to support Team GB.

I’d encourage fans around the UK to visit a FanZone during the Olympic Games and show the athletes in Rio that they are behind them.

It is great to see Coventry backing Team GB ahead of another exciting Olympic Games, and they’d love as many fans as possible to visit.

Cllr Kamran Caan, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Sports, said:

I’m really pleased about the announcement that Coventry will host one of the Olympic FanZones, continuing our legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games when we were a host city.

I’m sure that lots of residents, including myself, will come out to cheer on our Olympians alongside other fans and support a great community spirit.

It’s sure to create a great atmosphere and be a fantastic way to take part in this year’s Olympic Games.

The project is a partnership between Team GB and the host venues and is funded through support from official Team GB partners Aldi, Muller and The National Lottery. For more information go to www.teamgb.com/fanzones.

Picture: Cllr Kamran Caan with Coventry Ambassadors and former Olympian