On 2 October 2009, after beating big contenders, such as Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo, in the finals to host the 2016 Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro was proclaimed the winner, hence becoming the first South American city to organise the Olympic Games.

Undoubtedly, already acclaimed for its strong spirit of celebration and backed by its big festivities, Rio seems promising in that it wants to leave a good impression on everyone attending the Olympic Games thanks to the colourful and cheerful atmosphere that permeates the city.

Vinicius and Tom, the mascots of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, named after the famous Brazilian figures, Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim, and which, with its vivid colours, represent the country's flora and fauna, are supporting these games and welcome and encourage participants in the 32 locations, where the medals are disputed. 

These locations are spread throughout the city of Rio de Janeiro, and though football matches are also held in cities across the country; Brasilia, São Paulo and Salvador de Bahia, among others, it is in Rio where the Olympic magic is present, and the flame illuminates and wishes the athletes good luck from the cauldron. A cauldron that, despite being ignited in the Maracaná Stadium at the opening of the Games, has been moved to the centre of the city; thus, for the first time in Olympic history, it is not located in the main stadium of the city hosting the event.

The Games in Rio feature two main stadiums; the Maracaná Stadium, which hosts the opening and closing ceremonies, and the Olympic Stadium, located at the other end of the city and home to the athletics competitions. Football matches are also carried out in both stadiums.

Although the most significant changes are those that have occurred in the district of Barra da Tijuca, which has become the modern Olympic district of the city of Rio. Within a natural paradise and boasting beautiful beaches, the granting of the Games to the city has helped make the changes that had been taking place for decades prosper and eventually turn its streets into one of the required destinations for anyone who visits Rio. Especially now with the new and modern sports facilities, the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood has become home to many of the sports competitions.