Rio Celebrates Race to Hose 2016 Olympics

Rio Celebrates Race To Host 2016 Olympics
8:55am UK, Saturday October 03, 2009

Rio de Janeiro celebrated after winning the race to host the 2016 Olympics, beating Madrid in the final round of voting.

It will be the first time the Games will be held in South America. Nearly 50,000 people erupted in joy on Rio's Copacabana beach when the announcement was made by IOC president Jacques Rogge in Denmark.
"Cariocas", as local residents are known, jumped and cheered in a Carnival-like atmosphere at the famous Brazilian attraction.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said: "All those people who thought we had no ability to govern this country will now learn that we can host the Olympics.
"There is a lot of work ahead of us and we will start working early."

The Brazilian people are good, generous and the country deserves it. The world has recognized that the time has come for Brazil."

Many residents hope life in Rio will improve considerably when the Olympics reach the city.
"Everyone's hope is for security and transportation to improve in the city, because the daily life of the carioca is very difficult," said Ricardo Chaves, a 47-year-old accountant.

Athlete Denise Lewis, who won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said giving it to Rio was the right decision.
She told Sky News: "I think it is fantastic. Every Olympiad, you want the Olympic movement to move forward and venture into uncharted territory." In the final round of voting, Rio polled 66 votes, compared to 32 for Madrid.

Rio 2016 Olympic Bid Successful

Chicago and Tokyo were both eliminated in the race to stage the Games in seven years time. The US city went out in the first round of voting in Copenhagen, while the Japanese city exited in round two.

Chicago's early departure was a major shock, as it had been considered one of the bookies' favourites.
Presence of Obamas not enough for Chicago bid to win, President Barack Obama had even flown to Denmark to push for the US bid.
He and his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, had made personal appeals on behalf of their hometown.