POSTED: Monday July 6th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RIO 2016 PRESENTS PROJECT TO THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEES OF AFRICA

Pelé, ambassador of the Rio de Janeiro Candidature, visits school children in the capital of Nigeria

The Rio de Janeiro project to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is on the agenda this Tuesday, March 7, at the General Assembly of the Olympic Committees of Africa, in Abuja, Nigeria. The main points of the bid will be presented by a team which includes the Minister of Sport, Orlando Silva; the president of Rio 2016 Committee, Carlos Arthur Nuzman; Rio 2016 general secretary, Carlos Roberto Osório; Pelé, the greatest footballer of all time, and Olympic medalist Robson Caetano, bronze in the 200m in Seoul 88 and in the 4x100m relay in Atlanta 96.

Even before the official presentation of the Rio 2016 candidature, the presence of Pelé had stirred the capital of Nigeria. This Monday, the IOC ‘Athlete of the 20th Century’ enchanted 50 poor children, aged between 5 and 14 years old, from Edu Vision School, on the outskirts of Abuja. Pelé received the children at the Brazilian Embassy accompanied by Minister Orlando Silva, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, Carlos Roberto Osório, Rio 2016 director of Marketing and Communication, Leonardo Gryner, and Brazilian Ambassador in Abuja, Ana Candida Perez.

Pelé spoke to the children about the importance of sports practice and values such as respect and friendship. “Being with these young people is a privilege. I support the Rio 2016 project because I know that an event like the Olympics can inspire and change the lives of many thousands of children in Brazil, South America and throughout the world,” said Pelé, who was keen to sign all the balls that were donated to the excited children during the event.

Leonard Dabot, 11 years old, moved the king of football. According to his teachers, the boy spent the whole week writing and rehearsing a speech for Pelé “I am very happy with this opportunity. I thank you for the present and promise to be very careful with the ball,” said the young Nigerian.

Leonard and his ten year old colleague Sekine Abubukar, also received a number 10 Brazilian team shirt autographed by Pelé.  “I want to be a lawyer, but take part in sport as well. It is a good combination,” Sekine joked, already wearing in the king’s gift.

For Sports Minister Orlando Silva, the reception of the Rio 2016 delegation in Abuja reflects the proximity between Brazil and African countries. “We have a strong historical and cultural connection. In the Assembly of Olympic Committees of Africa we want to show that all continents can and should host the Olympic Games. The Rio 2016 application can open a door to countries such as those on the African continent,” he said.

Carlos Arthur Nuzman emphasized the importance of the support given by Pelé and Robson Caetano. “The joy of the children in Abuja to meet Pelé shows how the love of sport goes beyond all boundaries. Help from the king of football and a double Olympic medalist confirms the seriousness of the Rio 2016 project. We are confident that we will make a great presentation to the Olympic Committees of Africa,” said Nuzman.

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Keywords · Rio 2016 · Pele · Olympic bids

Name: Elisa Lopez
Organization: Rio 2016 Olympic Bid
Email:
Phone: +55(21) 3433-5827
URL: http://www.rio2016.org.br/en/

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