The bid's secretary general, Carlos Roberto Osorio, personally delivered the file to the IPC's chief executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez and executive director of Sport David Grevemberg and presented Rio’s vision for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

 

Osorio said: “I am honoured to be here today to outline our proposal for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

 

"The Rio 2016 Bid Committee and all levels of Government are committed to an active partnership with the Paralympic Movement to deliver a legacy that goes beyond Brazil and extends across the world."

 

Gonzalez said: “The IPC is looking forward to reviewing Rio’s proposal for the Paralympic Games in detail.

 

"Rio and Brazil have a strong, long-standing relationship with the Paralympic Movement - proven by their exceptional organisation of the Parapan American Games in 2007." 

 

If Rio beats Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo to be awarded the Olympics and Paralympics, the Paralympics would begin on Independence Day, a national holiday, enabling all Brazilians to celebrate the opening ceremony, Osorio said.

 

The dates of the Games would be September 7 to 18. 

 

Osorio said: “The 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio were the first to be given the same status as the Pan American Games and to use the same facilities.

 

"We are keen to build on the success of these Games and continue to foster the development of the Paralympic Movement in Brazil, South America and beyond.

 

"Indeed, we firmly believe that Rio’s Olympic Training Centre (OTC) will be one of the most significant sporting legacies from the Rio 2016 Games, acting as a major regional sports hub for all athletes in South America and the world.

 

"Our vision for the 2016 Games is one of equality whereby the Olympic and Paralympic Games are integrated - planned and delivered by the same organising committee and thereby guaranteeing equal levels of commitment.

 

"Rio has also committed to sign Federal legislation that guarantees full accessibility infrastructure across the city by 2016 in recognition of the opportunity to promote the benefits of inclusion and continuously develop Paralympic sport in Brazil.

 

“Our commitment to the growth of the Paralympic Movement and to Paralympic athletes can be seen from Brazil’s consistently improving performances at the Paralympic Games - we were ranked ninth at the Beijing Games.

 

"These inspirational athletes have been an integral part of generating a unique proposal for Rio 2016 and would welcome the opportunity to host their fellow athletes for the first time in South America."