Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games has inspired hundreds of the city’s young people. More than 1,800 10 to 15-year-old students took part in the “Make Rio 2016 Happen” drawing competition and submitted their artistic interpretation of Rio 2016 and the values of the Olympic Movement. A ceremony was held yesterday to present awards to twelve of the best entries, all of which will be used as monthly illustrations in the government’s official 2010 calendar. The event was attended by Jandira Feghali, Municipal Culture Secretary, Alexandre Techima, Rio 2016 Infrastructure Director, and an array of athletes including Bernard (volleyball silver medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Games), João Batista (Paralympic football gold medalist at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008) and Mariana Brochado (represented Brazil at the 2004 Athens Games in swimming). Jandira Feghali, Municipal Culture Secretary, said: “It was very difficult to choose the winners because of so many great entries. The competition showed how sport can inspire young people. More than 1,800 young people participated in this competition and all of them will certainly be rooting for Rio’s selection as Host City in Copenhagen on 2 October.” The drawings featured athletes of different races, with and without disabilities, all competing together in various disciplines against some of Rio’s most iconic locations such Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Sugar Loaf and the Corcovado. 13-year-old Iásio Neris, one of the winners of the contest, said: “In my drawing I put people of all races and also Christ the Redeemer, the symbol of Rio de Janeiro. In 2016, I want to compete in the Olympic Games in Rio. I am going to be a footballer or a swimmer when the Games come to Rio.” Rio 2016’s Infrastructure Director highlighted that the drawing contest brought together education, sport and culture, all of which are important characteristics of the Olympic Movement. Alexandre Techima, Rio 2016 Infrastructure Director, said: “The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games would symbolise a new era for Rio de Janeiro and Brazil and have the power to inspire young people in Brazil and across South America. “In the drawings, we see inspirational scenes representing Brazilians’ characteristics of passion and determination. The support and interest shown by so many young people raises our spirits as we enter the final straight of the Rio 2016 campaign,” he said.