RIO 2016: Organisers of next year's Rio Olympics have unveiled the full program of test events in the lead-up to the first ever Games in South America.

Between July and May of next year, 7800 athletes will participate in 34 Olympic, four Paralympic and four mixed test events with more than 16,000 volunteers also involved in the operation.

With next Tuesday marking 500 days to go before the start of the extravaganza, organisers said on Wednesday that the milestone would be marked with some "surprises".

Agberto Guimaraes, executive director of sport and paralympic integration, said organisers had sought to devise a calendar of tests best served to athletes' preparation needs.

"I have no doubt we shall learn many important lessons from the test events, which we shall use to ensure we deliver the highest level of service possible come the Games," Guimaraes said.

Following on from last August's opening test for sailing, volleyball will open the next test phase, with Rio hosting the World League from July 14-19.

Triathlon and paratriathlon events will follow before Rio welcomes the junior world rowing championships from August 5-9 ahead of an international sailing regatta from August 15-22.

AAP