President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva of Brazil spared no efforts to conceal his jubilation after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced last week that the city of Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympiad. Lula spontaneously burst into celebration even before the word “Janeiro” could have been completed in pronunciation by the person making the announcement. Rio was good enough for Lula and the millions of Brazilians who celebrated.

The celebration was not confined to those residing in Brazil, but to those in the Diaspora, including those that reside here. It was extended to the millions in the continent of South America who joined in. They felt a sense of belonging. It’s the first time since the birth of the Olympics that the games will be staged in this continent. Over the years, Brazil has been impacting positively on the world economy and has become a major player on global issues. The Olympics in 2016 will further strengthen its global gains made over the years.

Many here who followed the developments prior to last week’s announcement, whilst ecstatic, did not express much surprise at the IOC’s decision. For them the decision was never in doubt. Their explanation was simple; the IOC could no longer ignore a continent which hadn’t hosted the games before. Some added this to Brazil’s increasing international stature. This was weighed against the fact that the other countries short-listed, the U.S., Japan and Spain, all hosted the games before, some more than once.

For Brazil not to have won the 2016 bid would have confirmed the belief by many that the hosting of what is considered the pinnacle of track and field, indoor and outdoor games, is confined to an elite group of developed countries. Of course, Brazilians would not want to envisage that the main reason their country won the bid is because this part of the world never hosted it. These proud sons and daughters of the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world would only accept that their land won because it was deserved due to its capability and its thorough and impressive bid. Nothing else would be accepted.

The IOC in a subsequent media event explained that the body doesn’t always take money into consideration when such bids are awarded. The insinuation is that the event in 2016 may not necessarily be a financially profitable one. Well, on behalf of my Brazilian friends, I would like to note that such a comment is not only premature, but uncalled for. I have no reason to doubt that Brazil will endeavour to present an Olympiad that will be the envy of the 2020 host and which will attract millions. The Chinese defied all odds, criticisms and political insinuations to present an Olympiad in 2008 that not only stunned the world, but was deemed the best ever!

Brazil, known for promoting the best Carnival in the world, will no doubt be inspired to try and surpass what the Chinese did in 2008. Here in Guyana, with the thrust to increase collaboration and trading with other South American countries, all must be able to embrace Brazil’s hosting of the 2016 games as being involved in the process. This kind of embrace is evident in Regional cricket where some countries are not physically represented by players who make up the team.

For years, some islands in the Region were unable to produce a West Indies test cricketer. Some still may have not done so. This did not deter the leadership and residents of these states from feeling a true sense of belonging to Regional cricket. The team is deemed to be representative of the entire Region. Whether, (given the current sad state of the Region’s cricket), some states will want to openly and proudly attest to a sense of belonging, is another story. What is important, it has been and is still a Regional team. This principle can be encouraged for the upcoming 2016 games in our Southern neighbour.

Over the years, relations between Guyana and Brazil have been fortified to the point where the Takutu Bridge now links the two countries. This has laid the foundation for vast increase in trade and travel and its related developments. President Lula has pledged further assistance for other developmental projects in Guyana. This is the fruit of President Jagdeo’s relentless pursuit to foster and expand relations with various countries around the world. Brazil has been no different. A large number of Brazilians reside here with some in business; the same for Guyanese in parts of our large southern neighbour.

2016 is seven years away. Brazil has much preparation to do for the hosting of the Olympics. There is no doubt that they will meet all of the IOC’s requirements. With the increased cordiality in relationship between Guyana and Brazil, and the improvement in infrastructure to facilitate easy travel, I am sure that many Guyanese will make their way to Rio come 2016. It may be via a long and adventurous road trip or by direct flights. This is not far-fetched, given the rapid development that continues here.

This is something to look forward to as the sense of pride Brazil feels continues to permeate across South America of which we are the only English speaking country. This may prove to be a great asset come 2016. The South American games in Rio will indeed provide vast opportunities for countries in its proximity. As we all bask in the glory that has befallen Brazil, it has given impetus and increased optimism that the games will one day reach the shores of Africa; the last remaining continent, barring Antarctica, to be afforded the privileged opportunity to host the most important and auspicious competitions on the planet. The next host city announcement has gotten more interesting.