In 2016, the greatest sporting event in the world will be staged for the first time in South America. The city of Rio de Janeiro is proud to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Rio’s victory in the bidding process, announced in Copenhagen on 2nd October 2009, was the summit of a path of accomplishments and the beginning of a journey of big opportunities and challenges for the Paralympic Movement, hand-in-hand with the people of Rio and Brazil.
The infrastructure developments for the preparation of the Games are really huge. There will be more than 100,000 people directly involved in the organisation of the Games, including 70,000 volunteers. Millions of people in the city, around the country and across the continent of South America will be reached and inspired by the games. More than 4,200 Paralympians from about 150 nations around the world are expected to come to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, alongside thousands of media professionals, sports fans and tourists from all over the globe.
Importantly, the Paralympic Games will leave a legacy of improved accessibility around the city, and a change of mindset and perceptions towards people with disabilities.
