Rio de Janeiro, Aug 30 (IANS): The US Olympic Committee has signed a $1 million deal with Brazilian football club Flamengo to help American athletes prepare for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Under terms of the agreement, the USOC will pay for improvements to Flamengo's training facilities which the US will in turn use during Olympics and Paralympics, reports Xinhua.

"We are looking forward to investing in the long-term success of Flamengo and are confident that our athletes will have everything they need to do well at the Rio 2016 Olympics," USOC's performance chief Alan Ashley said Thursday.

The financial pledge could rise to as much as $4 million if all projects are approved. The facilities will be built at Flamengo's current training base here in Gavea. Proposals include a new aquatic park, rowing centre, martial arts gym, tennis courts and refurbished dressing rooms.

"This is a historic occasion and is in line with our efforts to restructure Flamengo," the club's Olympic sports director Alexandre Povoa said.