He said the bid was not only Brazil's, but also South America's, "bid of a continent with almost 400 million men and women and around 180 million youngsters".

After praising the IOC for its contributions in modernizing the Olympic Games, introducing new sports and new technology, Lula said that "the opportunity is to expand the Olympic Games to new continents."

South America and Africa are the two continents that have never hosted an Olympic Games, the largest sports event on earth.

Officials of the Rio team detailed construction plans and public security plans of Rio, assuring the voters that the fast developing economy and ensured safety would guarantee a successful Olympic Games.

Brazil has gone all out to win the bid, mobilizing sports stars such as football legend Pele, and famed sports officials, such as FIFA's Honorary President Joao Havelange.

Havelange called IOC members for support to Rio, welcoming them to go to Rio in 2016 to celebrate his 100th birthday.

The reason for Madrid to last to the third voting round lied mainly in former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch's emotional appealing.

He asked the 100-plus IOC members at the end of Madrid's final presentation to consider his age and give the chance to Madrid to host the 2016 Games.

"Dear colleagues, I know that I am very near the end on my time. I am, as you know, 89 years old," he said peacefully.

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