Rio Erupts in Celebration with 2016 Olympics

Anchor: Rio de Janeiro of Brazil has won the bid to host 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Tens of thousands of people erupted in celebration on Copacabana beach and across Brazil. Liao Jibo has more:

Repoter:

As the only candidate city of a developing country, Brazil's Rio de Janeiro was chosen by the International Olympic Committee to host 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

IOC President Jacques Rogge made the announcement after three rounds of votes by more than 90 IOC members.

"I have the honour to announce that the games of the 31st Olympiad are awarded to the city of... Rio de Janeiro."

In a passionate speech, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says Brazil deserves this opportunity.

"Brazil needed these Olympics. Brazil has always been a great country, an important country with an extraordinary people. I always say that there may be people in the world equally as happy, creative and cheerful as the Brazilian people, but no one is more so. "

Thousands of people erupted in celebration when Rio was announced host, jumping and cheering in a Carnival-like party on Copacabana beach in Rio.

The beach-side city Rio de Janeiro won the bid after beating rivals Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid.

Chicago was eliminated in the first round of vote as it got the least number of votes among 94 valid votes.

Tokyo of Japan was squeezed out in the second round.

Rio won the campaign in the last round after netting 66 votes against Madrid's 32.

Residents of the other three countries was disappointed. Eriberta Sanchez is a Chicago resident.

"Everybody is leaving it's like the happiness is gone. It's said because I was excited, but maybe next time."

Analysts believe that cards of economy and geography played a vital role in beating the other rich rivals.

The games 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.

Liao Jibo CRI News.