Rio de Janeiro awarded 2016 Olympics

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge announced on 5th October that the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Rio de Janeiro was victorious following a voting process involving the 106 IOC members at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen, Denmark. This decision represents the first time in Olympic history that South America will host an Olympic Games.

Fellow 2016 candidate cities Chicago and Tokyo were eliminated in the first two rounds of voting, leaving Rio de Janeiro and Madrid to contest the final round of voting.

Andy Hunt, British Olympic Association (BOA) Chief Executive, said:
“Congratulations to the city and people of Rio de Janeiro on winning the bid for the 2016 Olympic Games. It is four years since we won the bid for the 2012 Olympic Games so we know what an exciting and busy time now lies ahead. I am sure that Rio de Janeiro will host a superb Olympic and Paralympic Games for the athletes of the world.
We have been lucky enough to be the host National Olympic Committee for Olympic Games three times and we would be happy to share our experience and knowledge with the Brazilian Olympic Committee, any time they need it.
I wish Rio de Janiero the best of luck over the coming years in their preparations and look forward to having Team GB compete there in 2016.”
Rio de Janeiro will be handed the responsibility of becoming the Olympic Host City at the Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Click here to watch the announcement.

Click here for more information on the bidding process