An estimated 17,000 athletes and officials will gather for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 to 21 coming from different countries and faiths.The athletes and officials will be housed at the Olympic Village, Huffington Post reports.
The Olympics is expected to draw millions of tourists.
Besides preparing for the accommodation, the Olympic committee is also gearing up to serve the spiritual needs of the participants.
The Olympic and Paralympic villages have an inter-religious centre where representatives from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism will be available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from July 24 to September 21.
"Our job is to provide athletes with a place where they can find comfort and spiritual peace, whatever their religion. We are a symbol of peace, brotherhood and the unity of peoples," said Father Leandro Lenin Tavares, the coordinator of the centre.
Lenin said athletes and official who belong to other faiths may request spiritual assistance at the centre.
"We are able to accept people from any religion, including spiritism and Afro-Brazilian religions such as candomblé and umbanda," Father Lenin said. "Everyone who works at the centre is active in inter-faith dialogue. We will use our network of contacts to provide any athlete with the religious support they need."
At the Olympic village, the five major religions will have their own space for worship, each with a capacity of 50 people at any time.
Four Roman Cathoilc chaplains and four Protestant chaplains will be available at the centre. Other religions will have four representatives each.
Lenin said all religious officials at the village speak foreign languages and involved in inter-faith dialogue.
"We all believe in dialogue and brotherhood between religions. Our mission is to provide athletes in the village with whatever spiritual assistance they may need," he said.
