"The Sugar Loaf in the shape of a heart represents the Brazilians' indisputable passion and vibration for sports. The exclamation point replacing the numeral 1 in the writing 'Rio 20!6' symbolizes Brazil's heightened expectations with the chance of hosting the event," said logo designer Ana Soter, from Soter Design (winner of the Brazilian Olympic Committee logo bid). A Brazilian Olympic Committee panel chose the logo from a list of four finalists.
Having long had Rio as a source of inspiration for her work, Ana Soter says the distinctive shape of the Sugar Loaf is representative of the city's natural assets "cariocas" take so much pride in. The proposed logo is intended to depict the varied colors of Rio's exuberant nature.
For Brazilian Olympic Committee and Rio 2016 Organizing Committee President Carlos Arthur Nuzman, the Rio 2016 logo is a symbol of strength and pride that masterly pictures Rio's natural wonders.
"(The logo) replicates the Brazilians' energy, happiness and ability to welcome visitors from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. These values translate what the Rio 2016 Olympic race is all about," Nuzman said.
The unveiling of the Rio 2016 logo brought together Brazilian sport stars, authorities and private sector representatives and served to show the country's support for Rio 2016. The ceremony was attended by more than 500 Brazilian Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Rio de Janeiro Governor Sérgio Cabral, Sports Minister Orlando Silva, and Brazilian Olympic Committee, Brazilian Paralympic Committee, and National Confederation representatives.