President Thomas Bach awards the Olympic Order to Rio 2016 organisers
An extraordinary Closing Ceremony last night brought to a conclusion 16 days of spectacular sport and competition in fantastic venues set against the breath-taking backdrop of Rio de Janeiro. This morning, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach hosted a thank-you breakfast for the organisers of the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
During the gathering, Olympic Orders in gold were awarded to Carlos Arthur Nuzman, the President of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee, and Eduardo Paes, Mayor of the city of Rio de Janeiro, while Rio 2016 Chief Executive Officer Sidney Levy received the Olympic Order in silver.
“These were marvellous Olympic Games in the cidade maravilhosa. The Olympic Games Rio 2016 have shown the best of the Cariocas and Brazilians to the world,” said President Thomas Bach.
The Olympic Games Rio 2016 have seen thousands of athletes inspiring the world with their exceptional performances, new Olympic and world records set, personal bests, moments of outstanding sportsmanship and great emotions at wonderful sporting venues. “My heart is full of gratefulness, my heart is full of thanks and my heart is full of admiration for all of you” added President Bach.
At the breakfast, Nawal El Moutawakel, IOC Vice-President and Chair of the IOC Rio 2016 Coordination Commission, spoke of President Nuzman’s efforts to bring the Olympic Games to Rio de Janeiro. El Moutawakel noted that it had been his dream to bring the Games to Brazil and how, on 5 August 2016, this vision had become a reality. “Brazil and Rio de Janeiro delivered marvellous Olympic Games to the world. The Olympic Games Rio 2016 will forever be remembered for sporting excellence, the passion and warmth of the Cariocas and for their tremendous legacy to the people of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and South America,” she concluded.
Awarding the Olympic Order to Mayor Eduardo Paes, President Bach pointed out the incredible transformation that Rio de Janeiro has undergone thanks to the catalyst of the Olympic Games and the Mayor’s commitment to the Games. The lasting legacies of these Olympic Games will include a rejuvenated Port Area, a new Olympic Training Centre, a new leisure area in Deodoro, new BRT lines, a subway, a VLT, new roads, more hotels, and a City Operations Centre - all investments that will benefit Cariocas for decades to come.
A number of other organisers were also awarded Olympic Pins for their contribution to the success of the Games.
