By Xinhua,
Rio de Janeiro : Rio de Janeiro mayor Cesar Maia Monday transferred $500,000 dollars to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to launch the city’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Summer Games.
At the transfer authorisation ceremony, Maia said the payment proves the government’s keenness in hosting the first Olympic Games in South America.
The transfer document was signed during the celebration of the Olympic Day when, for the first time, the Rio de Janeiro flag was raised as a candidate city.
Members of the commission of the Rio-2016 candidature, sports figures, and former president of the International Football Federation (FIFA) and IOC member Joao Havelange were among those who attended the function.
“We will have a hard work until Oct. 2, 2009. I hope it to be an unforgettable day for Brazilian sports, if Rio de Janeiro is chosen,” Havelenage said.
The “Marvellous City” competes with Madrid (Spain), Chicago (U.S.) and Tokyo (Japan), the four cities must hand in the details of their projects by Feb. 2009.