Widespread public support for Rio’s bid was significantly reinforced today when the Rio 2016 Bid Committee confirmed over 1 million messages of support from across the world on the bid’s website within a month and a half of creating the message board.

The Rio 2016 “Support the Bid” message board was made live on the site during the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Evaluation Commission visit in April. Since then, thousands of supporters have continued to follow the bid’s development and particularly, the preparations for this past week’s presentation in Lausanne, one of the major milestones in the campaign.

Carlos Nuzman, President of the Rio 2016 Bid Committee, said: “This overwhelming display of enthusiasm reflects the passion of Brazilians and the recognition from other supporters around the world that the Rio 2016 Games will be a genuine celebration of sport with the power to transform our country for decades to come. We are thankful and honored to receive so many messages that signify a shared belief in our project and in our dream. It also serves as a further boost towards October 2nd and our goal of hosting memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in South America.”

At the time of the IOC visit, local residents joined celebrations and events on Copacabana beach and across the city to demonstrate their passion for sport. This enthusiasm has clearly been felt across nations around the world as they continue to send messages of encouragement and support to the Bid Committee.

Local support for the bid has been strong since the start of the campaign and indeed, was confirmed to be at 85% by the IOC’s official poll conducted earlier this year. This significant figure not only demonstrates the Carioca love of sport but also, their understanding that the 2016 Games in Rio are completely in line with the city’s long-term vision for development and will deliver a unique experience and lasting benefits for young people in Rio, Brazil and South America.

Those interested in joining over a million supporters backing the Rio bid can visit the Rio 2016 website at www.rio2016.org.br  and click on the "I support" banner (or "Eu quero" in Portuguese).