Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games was presented yesterday to British trade minister, Lord Mandelson, and 15 representatives of British companies involved in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the meeting, held at the Centro Brasileiro Britânico in São Paulo, Brazilian Sports Ministry representative, Paula Sanches, spoke on the economic impact of major sports events in Brazil.

The event, opened by Martin Raven, UK consul-general, resulted from Prince Charles’ visit to Brazil at the beginning of the month. Discussion centered on the development of Brazil’s sports sector and possibilities for business generated by major sporting events. After the success of the Rio 2016 Pan American Games, Brazil is preparing to host the World Military Games in 2011, the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013, and the World Cup in 2014.

In presenting the Rio 2016 plans, Paula Sanches emphasized the harmony between Rio 2016 and the three levels of government – federal, municipal and state. “The experience of the Rio 2007 Pan American Games is helping Brazil to meet these upcoming challenges. Questions of governance, political coordination and the plans’ alignment with the city’s master plan are being put into practice,” she said.

The presentation also stressed that the Olympic Games will not only benefit Rio de Janeiro, but the whole of Brazil. “The event takes place in one city, but there is a chain reaction. This is demonstrated by increased productive capacity, improving services and professional training in a wide range of areas,” concluded Sanches.