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| Rio de Janeiro elected 2016 Olympic city |
 Oct 3rd, 09. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today elected Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) as the host city of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad.
Celebrations for the Rio de Janiero President (2nd from left) and his delegation (c)IOC/Juilliart
For the first time in history South America will host an Olympic Games. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wept with joy and relief when the announcement was made. Brazil was the only country of the four candidate countries represented to not have previously hosted an Olympic Games. After a lengthy selection process which first chose the four finalists in June last year, the final delegation presentations and voting occurred today. In the three elimination rounds, Chicago was the first candidate city to lose out. Then Tokyo saw its hopes dashed as Rio de Janeiro and Madrid were left in contention. In the final round Rio de Janeiro easily won with 66 votes to Madrid's 32. IOC President Jacques Rogge congratulated Rio de Janeiro on its election and praised the high quality of the bid. "I would like to congratulate the city of Rio de Janeiro on its election as the host of the 2016 Olympic Games," he said. "Rio de Janeiro presented the IOC with a very strong technical bid, built upon a vision of the Games being a celebration of the athletes and sport, as well as providing the opportunity for the city, region and country to deliver their broader long-term aspirations for the future." "This call to "live your passion" clearly struck a chord with my fellow members and we now look forward to seeing Rio de Janeiro stage the first Olympic Games on the continent of South America. Well done, Rio!" Rogge also thanked the other competing cities. "Unfortunately, there can only be one victor in this competition and I'd like to thank the cities of Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid for participating. Their projects and dedication to spreading the Olympic values throughout their countries and beyond has been outstanding."
Results
Round 2
Round 3
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