The adrenaline of an athlete on the eve of a major event: this is the sensation felt by Rio 2016’s president, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, four days before the selection of the Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A former volleyball athlete, Nuzman played for Brazil at the Toyko Olympic Games in 1964. More than 40 years later, he admits the expectations and butterflies in the stomach will be the same during the vote on 2 October in Copenhagen, Denmark. “The adrenaline and feelings are the same as when I was an athlete. And I love this moment,” he said today during an event to celebrate the arrival of the Rio 2016 delegation in Copenhagen.

The Brazilian celebration was also attended by Rio 2016 secretary general, Carlos Roberto Osório, representatives of the three levels of government (federal, state and city) and journalists. The green-and-yellow atmosphere was guaranteed by the musical group Caraivana, which showed the diversity of Brazilian music playing chorinho and samba. “We arrived in Copenhagen with our goal achieved, because our plans were approved by the International Olympic Committee. This is a cause for great pride. We can say that Rio de Janeiro has already won a gold medal,” said Nuzman.

The Brazilian invasion of Copenhagen is set to continue tomorrow, when Rio 2016 Ambassador Pelé will visit the Bronshoj Club sports complex to meet students from a local school. The event begins at 10am Copenhagen time.
Rio de Janeiro is competing to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games against Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo. The Host City will be chosen on 2 October during the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen.