Rio to stage 2016 Olympic Games
From BBC sports
Brazil will become the first South American country to host the Olympics after the city of Rio de Janeiro was chosen to stage the 2016 Games.
Rio won a majority of the 95 votes at the meeting in Copenhagen, eliminating Madrid in the final round. Tokyo and Chicago had already been knocked out.
"The world has recognised that the time has come for Brazil," said President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva went to the Danish capital, Copenhagen, to persuade the International Olympic Committee to pick the city as the host of the 2016 Olympic Games.
Here are some excerpts from his address:
"Our time has come. Among the 10 largest economies in the world, Brazil is the only country that has never hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Among the countries that are now competing, we are the only ones that never had this opportunity. For us, this will not just be an Olympic Games. For us, it will be the opportunity to be equal.
"The doors of Brazil are open for the biggest party of humanity: the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Rio, one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities in the whole world. We need your support and vision for the future. Rio is ready.
"If you give us this opportunity, you will not regret it. And you can be sure that the games in Rio will be unforgettable, because they will be full of the passion, happiness and creativity of the Brazilian people.
"For South America, it will be a magical moment. For the Olympic movement, an opportunity to feel the warmth of our people, the exuberance of our culture, the sun of our happiness.
"And to send a clear message to the world: the Olympic Games belong to all people, to all continents, to the entire humanity.
"Looking at the five rings of the Olympic symbol, I see my country in them: a Brazil of men and women from all continents - Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, all proud of their origins and prouder of feeling Brazilian."
Well, congratulations Cariocas and Brazilians! Let's celebrate, let's party!
But don't forget: we have 7 years to get ready for this challenge.
Let's get prepared to welcome people from all over the world.
Let's study! Let's learn languages, specially English. We may think: we have time... but time goes fast, so LET'S GET READY!!
I'd like to have all politicians and important people from my country to stick their eyes on plans to improve education, security, health and economy. Instead, they have been acting as always: hosting the Olympics will waste 32 billion on things Brazilians won't enjoy at all! We're preparing to clap hands for the Chinese, Russian and Americans. Thanks Brazilian leaders for being so smart!
ResponderExcluir