Rio de Janeiro Presses for South American Olympics

(ATR) Rio de Janeiro pleads for the first Olympics in South America and offers guarantees it is safe and ready.

"I honestly believe it is Brazil's time," President Lula told the International Olympic Committee. "For South America, it will be a magical moment. For the Olympic Movement, it will be an opportunity to feel the warmth of our people, the exuberance of our culture, the sun of our joy."

Rio also displayed what may be its greatest weapon: a map that highlights the cities of the world that have hosted the Olympics. As the names of the cities appeared one by one across Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania, South America remained dark.

Lula told IOC members it was "time to address this imbalance" and "send a powerful message to the whole world: the Olympic Games to all peoples, to all continents, to all mankind."

Carlos Nuzman, the bid president and IOC member, said "Rio offers action, guarantees, certainty, not just words."

Nuzman, who spoke twice during the presentation and used both French and English in his impassioned remarks, said, "Rio is ready. Ready to serve. And, with your support, at this milestone moment, ready to deliver history."

Sergio Cabral, governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro, said he knew that some members may have concerns about security.

He said there were no incidents, large or small, during the Pan American Games.

"On behalf of the three levels of government, I guarantee you and every member of the Games family that we will deliver safe and secure Games throughout the city."

Carlos Roberto Osorio, secretary general of Rio 2016, helped explain the venue plan and Isabel Swan, a sailing bronze medalist in Brazil, spoke on behalf of the athletes.

Swan introduced Brazil's most famous sports superstar, Pele, who was on the podium, but did not speak. He stood, waved and touched his heart.

With the 2014 World Cup already awarded to Brazil, Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes said Rio's aim "is to use the World Cup as a springboard to the greatest Games in 2016."

Rio showed two films, "City of Celebration" and "Unity." In the second film, athletes said in many languages, "Passion unites us."

Joao Havelange, the 93-year-old IOC member from Brazil who began the presentation, invited his colleagues to be with him in Brazil for his 100th birthday.

At the press conference, Carlos Roberto Osorio, secretary general of the bid, said the Rio team was relieved to have concluded its journey.

"We left the room and we clearly felt from the IOC membership that our message got across, " he said, "that they understood the historic opportunity that is in front of them. We left the room proud."

He added, “I think we read people well and we felt warmth when we left that room.”

Now Rio, which Cabral called "the happiest city in the world, according to Forbes magazine," waits and hopes for a happy ending to the two-year campaign.

"Rio is ready," Lula told the IOC. "Give us this chance and you will not regret it."

Written by Karen Rosen.