A selection of superstars has invaded Copenhagen to reinforce the Rio de Janeiro team as they bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016. Adriana Behar (beach volleyball), Bernard (volleyball), Cesar Cielo (swimming), Daiane dos Santos (gymnastics), Daniel Dias (Paralympic swimming), Gustavo Kuerten (tennis), Hydrangea (basketball), Elizabeth Swan (sailing), Janeth (basketball),  Rosie (athletes) and Torben Grael (sailing), have joined up with Pelé to present the Rio 2016 project in the Danish capital where this Friday, 2 October, the International Olympic Committee will elect the host city of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

Pelé recalled that during his long career, he scored over a thousand goals and won the World Cup three times - but he also said that the Olympic gold medal is missing from his astonishing curriculum. "In my day, football players could not play in the Games. I still carry that dream and that is why I am here in Copenhagen.  Sport has given me so much, including the opportunity to discover other countries and cultures. I know how much it can change people's lives, this is what motivates my enthusiasm for the Rio de Janeiro project," said the ‘King of Football’.

For many of the athletes, the Rio 2016 sports venues are part of their everyday lives. "I learned to sail on Guanabara Bay, it’s a very special place to train and compete. Every time I'm there, I think about the special privilege I have. I am very proud to participate in this historic moment for Brazilian sport," said sailor Isabel Swan, bronze medalist at the Beijing Games in 2008, referring to the location Rio de Janeiro plans to use as its Olympic sailing venue.

At the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Daniel Dias won nine medals, including four gold. And he wants to repeat the experience in front of a Brazilian crowd in 2016. "Rio 2016 will leave a huge legacy and will change the history of our Olympic and Paralympic sport. Rio de Janeiro has a beautiful project and is ready to host the Games in 2016. It will be a great opportunity and I hope to win another nine medals,” joked Daniel.

After moving the world with his tears on top of the podium at the Beijing Games, Cesar Cielo said that his Olympic experience changed his life. "I know the impact that an event like this would have on Brazil and South America.  I am proud of everything I have achieved, to help bring the Olympics to my country would be incredibly exciting," said the swimmer.

With two Olympic medals to her name, Janeth is a leader off the basketball courts as well as on. Since 2002, she has been managing the Janeth Arcain Institute, which helps young people aged 7 to 15 years. "I've taken part in four editions of the Olympic Games and won two medals. Now, working with children, I see the excitement in their eyes, they want to achieve the same. The Olympic Games would leave a tremendous legacy for Rio de Janeiro and serve as inspiration for new generations of athletes,“ said Janeth.