|
 |
|
|
In Rio de Janeiro, the sun shines around 250 days in the
year. In the summer the thermometers can show 40° Celsius
or more, but at other times of the year the climate is more
amenable. Any time of year is ideal for a dip in the sea,
walks along the beach-front or in the forest, or the practice
of any of the dozens of sports that the city has to offer.
If your preference is golf, there are three international
quality courses.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Squash and tennis courts abound,
especially if you have access to a club. The more audacious
can fly hang gliders, para-gliders, ultra-lights, go deep
water diving or game fishing.
Nearer to land, windsurf is popular off the Barra beaches.
Volley ball courts are set up all along the beach - one
of the reasons Brazil has gold medals in this sport. You
may need a friend in the right place to get into a game.
Surfing is done in Copacabana, Arpoador (Ipanema), parts
of Barra, Recreio, Prainha and Grumari, where international
competitions are held.
|
|
|
|
Difficult to find, but even softball,
cricket, rugby and baseball are played. Those liking the
equestrian sports will find plenty of action at the Sociedade
Hípica Brasileira. Talking of horses, the race track
at the Jockey Club do Rio de Janeiro is busy from Friday
to Monday. At weekends there are races in the afternoon
and evening.The sidewalks and cycle track along the beach
and around the lagoon are suitable for walking, jogging
or biking at any time of the day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are some interesting nature walks such as the Leme
Fort trail or the Cláudio Coutinho track in Urca,
where the vegetation meets the sea, and where the military
keep an eye on things. There are professional clubs that
can advise on places where you can practice your rappel,
or do more serious rock and mountain climbing. Undoubtedly
Rio’s greatest sporting image is linked to soccer,
or football as it is called here. The largest stadium
in the world, Maracanã, where many memorable championships
have been decided, including the 1950 World Cup, is presently
undergoing refurbishment.
|
|
|
|
The stadium is open to visitors on days when there is no
game, and the museum has a collection of interesting items,
including Garrincha’s boots and the ball and net from
Pelé’s thousandth goal. They are the crown jewels
of the King of Soccer. The biggest Brazilian clubs - Flamengo,
Vasco, Fluminense and Botafogo have their headquarters here.
But nothing compares with the opportunity to watch a match
between two of the top teams. Apart from the possibility
of seeing some of the world’s soccer superstars, the
fans supply their own spectacular show, and the explosion
of passion and joy is something you will never forget.
|
 >
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
