The Rio de Janeiro project to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is on the agenda this Tuesday, March 7, at the General Assembly of the Olympic Committees of Africa, in Abuja, Nigeria. The main points of the bid will be presented by a team which includes the Minister of Sport, Orlando Silva; the president of Rio 2016 Committee, Carlos Arthur Nuzman; Rio 2016 general secretary, Carlos Roberto Osório; Pelé, the greatest footballer of all time, and Olympic medalist Robson Caetano, bronze in the 200m in Seoul 88 and in the 4x100m relay in Atlanta 96.

Even before the official presentation of the Rio 2016 candidature, the presence of Pelé had stirred the capital of Nigeria. This Monday, the IOC ‘Athlete of the 20th Century’ enchanted 50 poor children, aged between 5 and 14 years old, from Edu Vision School, on the outskirts of Abuja. Pelé received the children at the Brazilian Embassy accompanied by Minister Orlando Silva, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, Carlos Roberto Osório, Rio 2016 director of Marketing and Communication, Leonardo Gryner, and Brazilian Ambassador in Abuja, Ana Candida Perez.

Pelé spoke to the children about the importance of sports practice and values such as respect and friendship. "Being with these young people is a privilege. I support the Rio 2016 project because I know that an event like the Olympics can inspire and change the lives of many thousands of children in Brazil, South America and throughout the world," said Pelé, who was keen to sign all the balls that were donated to the excited children during the event.

Leonard Dabot, 11 years old, moved the king of football. According to his teachers, the boy spent the whole week writing and rehearsing a speech for Pelé "I am very happy with this opportunity. I thank you for the present and promise to be very careful with the ball," said the young Nigerian.

Leonard and his ten year old colleague Sekine Abubukar, also received a number 10 Brazilian team shirt autographed by Pelé.  "I want to be a lawyer, but take part in sport as well. It is a good combination," Sekine joked, already wearing in the king’s gift.