Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of the Brazilian Olympic Committee, said in a media release the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) announcement (to include Rio de Janeiro in its Candidate City shortlist) proves the quality of the Rio de Janeiro bid. He said, “we are very happy with IOC’s decision because it is the first time Rio de Janeiro is a finalist in the effort to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This shows the IOC recognizes the development of Brazilian sports and trusts that Brazil is able to stage the Olympic Games. But just the first battle has been won”.
He added “we will work together with the three governments – federal, state and city – towards the 2016 Games”.
Orlando Silva, Minister of Sports, said that Brazil will make every effort for Rio to be the 2016 host city. “This is a great time for Brazilian sports. Undoubtedly, IOC’s decision reflects the quality of the Rio de Janeiro bid”, adding, “We are committed to working in partnership with the Brazilian Olympic Committee, the private sector, and the State and City governments to stage in Rio de Janeiro the best Olympic Games in history, with the trademark of happiness and competence of the Brazilian people”.
Governor Sergio Cabral said the State of Rio will do whatever it takes to host the Olympic Games, while Rio’s Mayor Cesar Maia pointed out the importance of the Rio 2007 Pan American Games in this process.
Vital Severino, President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee said, “we were confident we would move to the candidacy phase because the Rio de Janeiro bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is quite solid. We have a great challenge ahead of us – that of bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to South America for the first time”.
