Nearly 50,000 people erupted in celebration when Rio de Janeiro was announced the host of the 2016 Olympics on Friday, jumping and cheering in a carnival-like party on Copacabana Beach.
A huge roar was heard at the famed beach the moment International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Jacques Rogge, said the words “Rio de Janeiro” to announce the winner in Copenhagen.
As the popular President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and football great Pele celebrated in Denmark, the Cariocas, as Rio citizens are known, raised their arms to commemorate on Copacabana, frantically waving flags and hugging each other.
Silva called the win a “sacred day” as he was interviewed in Portuguese by Brazilian reporters in Copenhagen. Brazil’s passion, he said, helped Rio win the Olympics against Madrid, Chicago and Tokyo.
“The other countries made proposals,” he said. “We presented a heart and a soul.”
The party was expected to go on well into the night, and officials said the crowd would easily surpass 100,000 people.
“This is huge for Rio and for the entire country,” said 67-year-old Sueli Ferreira, wearing a hat with the Brazilian colours — green, yellow, white and blue. “It’s going to be good for the economy, good for the people. This gives us hope that things will be better here.”
The Cariocas danced to samba as confetti was launched into the air in front of a massive stage set up for the victory celebration.
A banner half the size of a football field - with Rio’s logo, an image of the Christ the Redeemer Statue and the words “Rio Loves You” in English - was displayed.
“I loved it that they selected Rio, I really wanted that to happen,” said nine-year-old Matheus de Melo Ferreira, wearing a bright yellow Ronaldinho jersey. “I’ll get to see an Olympics from up close, it’s going to be wonderful.”
Anxious wait
The Cariocas had been anxiously awaiting the result, taking advantage of a sunny day to watch the announcement on two big screens set up on the beach. Live concerts featuring popular artists had been entertaining the crowd since early in the morning, and the traditional Salgueiro samba group was on hand to keep the party going.
Rio finally won the bid after failed attempts in 1936, 2004 and 2012.
The games will be the first held in South America, and will take place by one of the most impressive backdrops - Rio’s stunning beaches and famous landmarks, including the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer Statue.
Brazilians - especially the six million Rio citizens - feel the games will have the power to transform the entire region, promoting social integration and leaving a lasting legacy.
The Government has promised significant improvements throughout Rio to get it ready for the games seven years from now, and the Cariocas are hoping they will benefit from the preparations in a city which is well-known for its natural beauty and fun-loving people but also for its violent crime and many slums.
Obama’s congratulations
Meanwhile in Washington, the U.S. President, Barack Obama, on Friday congratulated Brazil and the city of Rio de Janeiro for beating out Chicago and winning the right to host the “historic” 2016 Olympics.
