Rio 2016
On 2 October 2009, Rio was elected to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rio managed to provide the strongest bid and surpassed Chicago, Madrid and Toyko in the final election held at the 121st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Copenhagen.
With Rio de Janeiro as the host city, it is the first time in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement that the Games will be held in South America.
Brazil, the host city and the people of Rio de Janeiro are looking forward to represent South America with outstanding Games and to welcome athletes and visitors from all over the world.
The city dedicated itself to provide world-class venues throughout the whole city to address both athlete and visitor needs.
Rio 2016 unveiled its emblem for the Paralympics during a special ceremony at the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas on 26 November 2011, in which the world’s largest floating Christmas tree was also inaugurated.
The emblem emulates the upward curve of an athlete surpassing expectations and growing with infinite drive. The design’s spiral movement and three-dimensional shape has the power to inspire and mobilize people heading into and during the Rio 2016 Games.
