Today marks the start of the one-year countdown for the Rio Olympic Games.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is in the city for the celebratory activities. Bach hails Rio's efforts, which are to become the legacies of the Olympic Games.

"If you look at the many legacy projects here in Rio de Janeiro, I think that the Cariocas (Rio citizens), Rio de Janeiro and Brazil can be very proud of this. This is a real boost for Rio de Janeiro. There are many more legacy projects that have been realised than have been promised at the time of the bid. So, in this respect, Rio de Janeiro will over-deliver with regards to legacy. And I think this is of what everybody can be proud of."

Organizers say preparations are well on track and within budget.

Rio is cleaning up the polluted Guanabara Bay for the sailing events, and construction on a tunnel linking the athletes' village and the Olympic Park is underway.