St. George’s -- Oct. 2, 2009 -- The Grenada Government has congratulated Rio de Janeiro on its successful bid to host the Olympic Games in 2016, which was announced by the International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen, Denmark on Friday.

Sports Minister Patrick Simmons, who telephoned the Brazil’s Ambassador to Grenada, Paulo Wagner De Miranda, said that the winning bid is a victory for the Americas.

“The Government and People of Grenada would like to congratulate Rio de Janeiro on its successful bid to host the Games in 2016,” he said.

“Your victory is a clear demonstration that the Americas are prepared to welcome the sporting world in 2016,” the Minister said while noting that Brazil will also host Football’s World Cup in 2014.

The Sports Minister noted the many compliments Rio de Janeiro had received for its successful hosting of the Pan-American Games in 2007 and is confident that the city has the capacity to provide the world with an unforgettable experience in 2016.

In deepening relations, Grenada and Brazil have signed a number of bi-lateral agreements which also involved high-level visits.

Rio de Janeiro will be the second Latin American city to host the Olympic Games, following Mexico in 1968.