Rio 2016 committee welcomes members of IOC Evaluation Commission
Opening session features Olympic medalists Isabel Swan and Daniel Dias
Wander Roberto / COB
The 13 members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission received a warm welcome from the Rio 2016 bid committee.
Today, before the first presentation, an inaugural session was held, featuring Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president of Rio 2016; Orlando Silva, Minister of Sport; João Havelange, IOC member and honorary president of FIFA; Governor Sérgio Cabral; and Mayor Eduardo Paes.
The IOC group of evaluators is led by Moroccan Nawal El Moutawakel at the event which is being held at the Copacabana Palace Hotel.
After Carlos Arthur Nuzman introduced the speakers, João Havelange was the first to address members of the Commission. If your eyes could see what mine have seen during these 92 years, you would understand the importance, for me and for Brazil, of welcoming this Commission. I have witnessed the evolution of my country, from a developing nation to the current moment of economic growth. At my age, unfortunately I have no more sports ambitions. But I have a desire to offer Brazil and South America the organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said Havelange, who spoke in French.
Representing Rio 2016 were Carlos Roberto Osório, Secretary General; Leonardo Gryner, communication and marketing director; and Agberto Guimarães, general sports manager.
The three levels of government also participated in the opening session, represented by Ricardo Leyser, National Secretary for Elite Sport; Márcia Lins, State Secretary for Sport, Tourism and Leisure; and Ruy Cézar, Special Municipal Secretary for Rio 2016. Andrew Parsons, president of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, completed the line up.
Rio de Janeiro and Brazil have been preparing for this week for many, many years. We have hosted more than 600 international competitions over the last decade and we have prepared, listened and learned. Every Olympic and Paralympic athlete will remember, for the rest of their lives, the great passion of Rio de Janeiro. The passion for sport, the passion for the Olympic Games, the passion for life. We, in Rio de Janeiro, are ready to change our history, said Carlos Arthur Nuzman.
Minister Orlando Silva opened his speech by noting the total support of President Lula and the federal government for Rio 2016. He highlighted aspects and numbers that show Brazils growth. We have a stable economy, with a favorable environment for investment. We are convinced of our capacity, and our country has its arms open to welcome the world and the Olympic Family in 2016, said Silva.
Governor Sérgio Cabral spoke of the synergy between the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Rio 2016. The 2014 FIFA World Cup is an important part of Rios bid. Improvements in accommodation, security and transport will benefit both events. In no other place in the world will you find a friendlier people, who really love integrating with people from all parts of the world, he said.
Rio de Janeiros capacity to host major events such as Carnaval, Copacabanas New Years Eve party, the 2004 Olympic Torch ceremony, and the Rio 2007 Pan American Games was emphasized by Eduardo Paes.
We know how to conduct extremely complex operations, involving many thousands of people. Opinion polls show that public support for Rio 2016 has been growing, and around 65 percent of people from 16 to 24 years of age would like to work as volunteers for the Olympic Games, said the mayor.
Athletes also played a part in the welcome. Two medal-winners from the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games represented the millions of Brazilians who play sports: Isabel Swan, Olympic bronze medal-winner in sailing, and Daniel Dias, Paralympic swimmer who won nine medals, including four gold medals. On behalf of all athletes, I welcome you all, said Dias.
At the age of 16, I was inspired to use swimming as a way of rising to the challenges that life put in my way. I have achieved many dreams, but one remains: to participate in the Olympic Games in the enchanting city of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, a country where sport is a part of everyones life.
Today, before the first presentation, an inaugural session was held, featuring Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president of Rio 2016; Orlando Silva, Minister of Sport; João Havelange, IOC member and honorary president of FIFA; Governor Sérgio Cabral; and Mayor Eduardo Paes.
The IOC group of evaluators is led by Moroccan Nawal El Moutawakel at the event which is being held at the Copacabana Palace Hotel.
After Carlos Arthur Nuzman introduced the speakers, João Havelange was the first to address members of the Commission. If your eyes could see what mine have seen during these 92 years, you would understand the importance, for me and for Brazil, of welcoming this Commission. I have witnessed the evolution of my country, from a developing nation to the current moment of economic growth. At my age, unfortunately I have no more sports ambitions. But I have a desire to offer Brazil and South America the organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said Havelange, who spoke in French.
Representing Rio 2016 were Carlos Roberto Osório, Secretary General; Leonardo Gryner, communication and marketing director; and Agberto Guimarães, general sports manager.
The three levels of government also participated in the opening session, represented by Ricardo Leyser, National Secretary for Elite Sport; Márcia Lins, State Secretary for Sport, Tourism and Leisure; and Ruy Cézar, Special Municipal Secretary for Rio 2016. Andrew Parsons, president of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, completed the line up.
Rio de Janeiro and Brazil have been preparing for this week for many, many years. We have hosted more than 600 international competitions over the last decade and we have prepared, listened and learned. Every Olympic and Paralympic athlete will remember, for the rest of their lives, the great passion of Rio de Janeiro. The passion for sport, the passion for the Olympic Games, the passion for life. We, in Rio de Janeiro, are ready to change our history, said Carlos Arthur Nuzman.
Minister Orlando Silva opened his speech by noting the total support of President Lula and the federal government for Rio 2016. He highlighted aspects and numbers that show Brazils growth. We have a stable economy, with a favorable environment for investment. We are convinced of our capacity, and our country has its arms open to welcome the world and the Olympic Family in 2016, said Silva.
Governor Sérgio Cabral spoke of the synergy between the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Rio 2016. The 2014 FIFA World Cup is an important part of Rios bid. Improvements in accommodation, security and transport will benefit both events. In no other place in the world will you find a friendlier people, who really love integrating with people from all parts of the world, he said.
Rio de Janeiros capacity to host major events such as Carnaval, Copacabanas New Years Eve party, the 2004 Olympic Torch ceremony, and the Rio 2007 Pan American Games was emphasized by Eduardo Paes.
We know how to conduct extremely complex operations, involving many thousands of people. Opinion polls show that public support for Rio 2016 has been growing, and around 65 percent of people from 16 to 24 years of age would like to work as volunteers for the Olympic Games, said the mayor.
Athletes also played a part in the welcome. Two medal-winners from the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games represented the millions of Brazilians who play sports: Isabel Swan, Olympic bronze medal-winner in sailing, and Daniel Dias, Paralympic swimmer who won nine medals, including four gold medals. On behalf of all athletes, I welcome you all, said Dias.
At the age of 16, I was inspired to use swimming as a way of rising to the challenges that life put in my way. I have achieved many dreams, but one remains: to participate in the Olympic Games in the enchanting city of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, a country where sport is a part of everyones life.
