RIO DE JANEIRO - Jacques Rogge, the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said on Wednesday he saw Rio de Janeiro as well on its way to preparing to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

"I'm very happy today because I see the preparations for the Games well underway," he said as he laid a symbolic first stone at what will become the Olympic Village in the city.

The ceremony gave an official profile to work that is already underway to have the facility ready for the world's premier sporting event.