Brazil Olympics bid dubbed ‘impressive’
The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has said that it was "very impressed" with Brazil’s bid to stage the Games in 2016.
Officials heaped praise on Rio de Janeiro’s proposals, saying they were surprised by the presentation on security, which is a top priority.
"We were impressed by the fact that the Games fits perfectly into Brazil’s long-term planning development of the country," said Nawal El Moutawakel, a member of the committee from Morocco.
The panel, rounding up a visit to Rio de Janeiro, also suggested that Brazil would benefit from hosting the World Cup in 2014, which would serve as good preparation for the Olympics.
"It is something we witnessed in the past," agreed Gilbert Felli, the IOC’s executive director for the Olympic Games.
Last week, Brazilian sporting legend Jaoa Havelange made an impassioned pitch backing Rio de Janeiro to host the competition.
Mr Havelange, the former president of football’s governing body, FIFA, said his one wish was to offer Brazil and South America the opportunity to stage the Games.
