Thomas Bach, vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said that a bid by Brazil for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games would receive strong consideration.
Bach said, “a Brazilian candidacy has the support of both the population and the government. South America never received the Olympic Games before. That’s why I think a Brazilian city will be one of the strongest candidates”.
The Brazilian Olympic Committee is to decide between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo on which city will be Brazil’s candidate for the Games. A decision will be made on July 7.
Rio de Janeiro is hosting the Pan American Games in 2007 and officials say they will spend $100 million for seven new sports facilities and an Olympic Village in the fashionable beach district of Barra da Tijuca.
The city hopes that hosting the Pan American Games will strengthen its Olympic bid for 2012. Rio lost the 2004 Summer Games to Athens.
