The first Olympics in South America were in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Seven important cities were disputing, and the final choice was divided between Madrid, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Chicago. Finally, Rio de Janeiro received 66 votes in favor, during the CXXI session of the International Olympic Committee in 2009 in Copenhagen, becoming the first Latin city to receive such majestic and massive sporting event.

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October 2 was marked in history as the day when the first Olympics in Latin America was officially announced, and on August 5, 2016, the games started.

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About 11,000 athletes, divided into 206 country delegations, and Kosovo and South Sudan are participating for the first time. All the athletes invited will aim to be the best in sports such as football, swimming, gymnastics, and basketball, among many others. Among the sports that make their debut in this edition of 2016 Rio Olympic Games are rugby and golf.

The 306 games will be divided into four specific areas of Rio de Janeiro such as the Maracana, Barra de Tijuca, Deodoro and Copacabana, and they may be played in other Brazilian cities such as Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Brasilia and Manaus as well.

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Among other sporting events records, Rio de Janeiro holds the title of being the first host of the Olympics in South America, the seventh of America to host a multi-sport event, and the fourth country to consecutively organize both the Olympics and the World Cup.

Having as logo an image that reflects the harmonious union, the enriching diversity, the exuberant nature Mother Earth has given to Brazil, and also the contagious energy of the Olympics spirit, 2016 Rio Olympic Games, has another significant characteristic: sustainability in their medals.

The golden metals of this edition are made of recycled materials. Presented by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, on June 14, 2016, each Olympic medal awarded in Rio has managed to be the greenest in the history of the Olympics.

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2016 Rio Olympics end on August 21. While it has raised a number of controversies, they have not neglected the majesty of this world event. The only lesson to prevail will be the meeting point for the best athletes, for better human beings, and better citizens. There are many lessons to learn, cultures to learn from and grow, and many similarities to protect, regardless of ideology or nationality.

ALFA

2 thoughts on “SOUTH AMERICA FIRST OLYMPICS

  1. Carlos Halliwell says:

    Are you sure these were the first Olympics in Latin America? What about Mexico 1968? Do your research first.

  2. Georgia Stevens says:

    I just got back from a trip to this amazing country, sadly i couldn’t attend to any games but i was still amazed with how this event enhanced the beauty of an already breath taking land

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