BONN, 19 February 2009 – The Rio 2016 Bid Committee delivered its Candidature File to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today in Bonn, Germany. Secretary General of the Rio Bid Committee, Carlos Roberto Osorio, personally delivered the File to Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez and Executive Director of Sport David Grevemberg and presented Rio’s vision for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

“I am honoured to be here today to outline our proposal for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. The Rio 2016 Bid Committee and all levels of government are committed to an active partnership with the Paralympic Movement to deliver a legacy that goes beyond Brazil and extends across the world,” said Carlos Roberto Osorio.

“The IPC is looking forward to reviewing Rio’s proposal for the Paralympic Games in detail. Rio and Brazil have a strong, long-standing relationship with the Paralympic Movement – proven by their exceptional organisation of the Parapan American Games in 2007,” said Xavier Gonzalez of the IPC.

Mr. Osorio said: “The 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio were the first to be given the same status as the Pan American Games and to use the same facilities. We are keen to build on the success of these Games and continue to foster the development of the Paralympic Movement in Brazil, South America and beyond. Indeed, we firmly believe that Rio’s Olympic Training Centre (OTC) will be one of the most significant sporting legacies from the Rio 2016 Games, acting as a major regional sports hub for all athletes in South America and the world.”