Brazilian sporting legend urges IOC to pick Rio
Brazilian sporting legend Joao Havelange has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to choose Rio de Janeiro as the host of the 2016 Olympics.
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.
He was speaking at a presentation to members of the IOC evaluating commission, which is touring Rio as part of its analysis of the potential host cities, which include Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also met with the IOC members, making an impassioned plea for the Games.
"We have a stable economy and a favourable atmosphere for investment. We are convinced of our ability, and our country has its arms open to host the world and the Olympic family in 2016," he said.
Brazilian businessman Eike Batista recently donated ten million reais (£3.1 million) towards Rio’s bid for the Games.
