The city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, submitted a formal bid to the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) to host the XV Pan American Games, which were ultimately held in Rio from 13 to 29 July 2007.
Bid submission and selection process
- Rio de Janeiro’s bid was presented to PASO in early 2002, alongside competing bids from San Antonio (United States) and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic).
- The PASO General Assembly convened in Mexico City on 7 August 2002 and voted to select the host city. Rio de Janeiro secured the majority of votes, prevailing over San Antonio by a margin reported as 28 votes to 22.
- The selection marked the first time a South American city was chosen to host the Pan American Games.
Key components of Rio’s bid
- Venues: The proposal detailed a mix of existing facilities (e.g., Maracanã Stadium for athletics, Deodoro Sports Complex for equestrian and shooting) and new constructions (e.g., a purpose‑built aquatic centre).
- Infrastructure: Plans highlighted recent improvements to Rio’s transportation network, including expansions of the metro system and upgrades to the Galeão International Airport.
- Budget and financing: The bid outlined a projected budget of approximately US 300 million, to be funded through a combination of federal, state, and private sponsorship contributions.
- Legacy goals: Organisers emphasized the Games as a catalyst for urban development, sports participation, and international visibility ahead of Rio’s later bids for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Outcome and impact
- The 2007 Pan American Games were conducted successfully, involving 5,633 athletes from 42 nations competing in 332 events across 34 sports.
- Rio’s hosting experience was later cited by PASO and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a factor in the city’s successful bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
References
- Pan American Sports Organization, “XV Pan American Games – Rio 2007 Host City Selection,” official PASO minutes, 7 August 2002.
- Rio de Janeiro Organizing Committee for the Pan American Games (CORIP), “Bid Book for the XV Pan American Games,” 2002.
- International Olympic Committee, “Olympic Games Bid Evaluation Reports,” 2004.
