The official presentation of the 2011 World Military Games reinforced the synergy between the event and the Rio de Janeiro bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the ceremony at Fort de São João, in Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Defense Minister Nelson Jobim, Sports Minister Orlando Silva, State Governor, Sergio Cabral, Mayor Eduardo Paes and Rio 2016 Secretary General, Carlos Roberto Osorio highlighted the alignment between the projects and the vocation of Rio de Janeiro to host major sports competitions.

This is the first time a country in the Americas will hold the World Military Games. The competition will take place between 17 and 24 July 2011 and attract five thousand athletes from 110 countries. "This is one of the most important sporting events in the world. Rio de Janeiro brings together all factors to ensure the success of the Games, such as the continuing efforts to develop sport and the natural hospitality of the residents. These values are also central to the 2016 Olympic Games bid. It is important that the Olympic Movement opens its arms to all continents. The competition is tough, but I believe that if the Olympic Movement is to continue talking about universality, it must take action to demonstrate this universality," said Italian Brigadier General Gianni Gola, President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).

The preparation of Rio de Janeiro is aligned with the bid project for the 2016 Olympic Games. Venues built or renovated for the Rio 2007 Pan American Games and which form part of the Rio 2016 project – the Maracanazinho Arena, the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park, the Deodoro Sports Complex and the João Havelange Olympic Stadium - will stage World Military Games competitions. In addition, the Athletes Village will also be used. "The Military World Games are another great chapter in the sports history of Rio de Janeiro, after the Rio 2007 Pan American Games. We are working to continue this story on 2 October, with the election of Host City for the 2016 Olympic Games. The Military World Games are another point in favor of the bid, as they represent more equipment and more infrastructure for the city," said the governor Sergio Cabral.

The event at the fort in Urca was attended by Olympic medalists Adriana Samuel (silver in Atlanta 96 and bronze in Sydney 2000 in beach volleyball), Adriana Behar (silver in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 in beach volleyball) and Bernard (silver in Los Angeles 84 in volleyball). For Rio 2016 secretary general the World Military Games are another step for Rio de Janeiro along the path to the Olympics. "With two weeks until the selection of the Host City of the 2016 Games, I would like to thank the armed forces and the three levels of government for their support in this endeavor, which is not only for Rio de Janeiro, but for all Brazil. The World Military Games are very important for Rio 2016. We are counting on the facilities, staff expertise and technological resources of the armed forces," said Carlos Roberto Osório.

During the eight days of the World Military Games, athletes compete for medals in 20 different sports: aeronautical pentathlon, basketball, military pentathlon, naval pentathlon, parachuting, shooting, basketball, football, volleyball, swimming, triathlon, athletics, equestrian, modern pentathlon, sailing, boxing, fencing, taekwondo, judo, beach volleyball and orienteering. "Rio de Janeiro will hold unforgettable World Military Games, with operations and facilities of highest level. And they will be a milestone in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games, should the city be chosen as venue. We will show Brazil's commitment to youth, sport and peace," said Sports Minister, Orlando Silva.