The Rio 2016 Bid Committee today welcomed the publication of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Evaluation Commission report following their visit to Rio in April and its clear confirmation of the IOC’s approval of Rio’s vision for the Games. The report, a technical analysis on the 17 themes detailed in each city’s Candidate File, confirms that Rio de Janeiro is ready to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016.

Carlos Nuzman, President of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and Rio 2016, said: “I am very happy that this report confirms the IOC’s approval of our project and vision for the Games and that Rio is considered ready to welcome the Olympic and Paralympic Games to South America for the first time. The Evaluation Commission’s visit to Rio was a great success and this has been highlighted in their description of our documentation and presentations as of ‘a very high quality’.

“We are delighted that the report reflects the fact that our bid is based on the long-term planning and development of Brazil with full finance and guarantees from all three levels of government. Indeed, the report clearly states that they have ‘guaranteed to finance the necessary infrastructure to deliver the Games and to cover any potential economic shortfall in the OCOG budget’.

“We are particularly pleased that the IOC report recognizes the power of a Rio Games to deliver social transformation and our ability to ‘leave an affordable and significant legacy’. Our plan is also clearly endorsed by strong public support as shown in the IOC’s poll at 85% in the city of Rio. 

“As several members of our team were responsible for successfully delivering the 2007 Pan Am Games, we are also heartened by the IOC’s belief that ‘transition from a Rio 2016 bid to an OCOG would benefit from the continuity of the experience and knowledge gained and partnerships forged through organizing the 2007 Pan-American Games’.

“We are encouraged by the fact that the report confirms that Rio is meeting its public safety challenges and that ‘Rio has taken a new approach with regard to local policing which engages the community in a range of social and sports programmes, already showing positive results’. 

“The report is a valuable source of information for us regarding areas where we can make further improvements and ensure delivery of all aspects of our innovative Games plan.

“With exactly one month to go until the vote in Copenhagen, we are confident that Rio would deliver unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic Games that have the power to transform the country and continent. We are looking forward to the final presentation and bringing our story and our compelling proposal to life with the participation of our bid team including President Lula himself.”

The Rio 2016 bid leadership is in London today reviewing the IOC’s report in detail and will be available for comment by phone beginning at 2pm UK time. Further statements will be released as appropriate.