Rio de Janeiro 2016’s presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) included the country’s Central Bank chief Henrique Meirelles, and a video message from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Rio bid secretary general Carlos Roberto Osorio said at the presentation, “he (Meirelles) stated the full commitment of the Brazilian government with all guarantees”. Osorio said, “we are very confident. He said state guarantees would allow Rio to start work immediately. We can fully start working into (the Games) those magical things instead of chasing pennies”.
According to the Washington Post, Meirelles said he provided updated facts on the Brazilian economy, allaying any financial concerns. “It is import to have a better idea of the Brazilian economic situation today”, he said.
“Brazil has a stable economy. Investments are coming back. The Brazilian numbers speak for themselves. All of that provides assurances that Brazil is in a position to entertain this (hosting Olympics) and take advantage of the Games economically”, said Meirelles.
Rio 2016 officials showed a world map marking all the places where the Olympics have been held – with a big blank space for South America. They also stressed that Brazil was capable of hosting the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics back to back.
