Brazil takes bid to IOC for Rio as ’sustainable’ host city
Brazil has taken its case for Rio de Janeiro as the host city for the 2016 Olympics to the voters on the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The country is hoping to bring the Games to South America for the first time and made formal presentations to members of the panel featuring a video message from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and a pitch from the head of Brazil’s central bank.
"Brazil is expected to come out of this crisis growing, in a sustainable way. Our investments are coming back to Brazil," said Henrique Meirelles, according to Associated Press.
He added that the country could take advantage of the games economically, the news provider reports.
Brazilian property investors are among those who could benefit from Rio de Janeiro hosting the Olympics, as experts have already predicted that demand for accommodation will soar ahead of the World Cup in 2014.
Jacque Rogge, president of the IOC, said that the decision would be "difficult" for members of the panel.
