Experienced in domestic electoral campaigns, Governor Sérgio Cabral and Mayor Eduardo Paes today arrived in Copenhagen for a different kind of election. They are supporting Rio de Janeiro in the final part of the city’s campaign before this Friday’s vote by the IOC to choose the Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “I’ve experienced many elections, but this one is different. This is a historic moment for Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. And it’s our moment. We are prepared and we have the three levels of government working together, as in the Rio 2007 Pan American Games,” said Cabral.

The governor stressed the importance of President Lula’s participation to Rio’s campaign. Lula will arrive in Copenhagen tomorrow. “President Lula led our preparations for a strong campaign, which shows we are capable of holding this great event.”

Eduardo Paes said it was an honor to represent the people of Rio de Janeiro and show what the Olympic Games represents to its residents. “The Rio 2016 plan will develop the city significantly. And we have a lot to offer the Olympic Movement,” he said.

Sérgio Cabral and Eduardo Paes participated in a press event alongside Rio 2016 president, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, Rio 2016 secretary general, Carlos Roberto Osório, national secretary for elite sport, Ricardo Leyser, and Rio 2016 ambassador, Isabel Swan, who won bronze at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. “This is a decisive moment in the bid. And one of the most important things is the spirit of the people involved. Rio 2016 has already shown it has a united, strong team, sharing the same desires. Rio’s Olympic plans have been approved by the IOC and we are ready to receive the Games in 2016,” said Nuzman.