We chose a city that has its problems, which has a reality with many challenges. “To see where sport can help and unite people but also to understand that there are limitations to the power of sport”, he added. “There are no regrets whatsoever”.
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“These were marvellous Olympic Games in the marvellous city”, he said.
Bach also spoke about the gold medal-winning Brazilian judoka Rafaela Silva.
Brazilian National Anthem was then sung by 27 children, representing country’s 26 states plus the Federal District, accompanied by a powerful percussion band, which was preceded by a tribute to some important songs and composers of Brazilian popular music. No need to talk about Copacabana beach, the canoeing and rowing venue, the sailing venue, the Sambodromo for archery – all iconic venues.
“We would like to give thanks to Brazilians and cariocas”, he added.
Other memorable moments mentioned by the IOC president included Fiji’s first Olympic medal, in rugby sevens, the fantastic performances by Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt and the participation of the first ever team of refugees.
“The refugee athletes were warmly received and became stars in the Olympic Village”.
Bach could offer little information on the nine Australian Olympic competitors who appeared in court overnight after authorities said they tampered with their credentials to gain access to their team’s basketball semi-final against Serbia. “In accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world to assemble in four years time in Tokyo, Japan to celebrate the Games of the 32nd Olympiad”, Bach said to the huge applause of the packed gathering at the iconic Maracana Stadium on Sunday night.
Twenty-two world records and almost 70 Olympic records were set during the Games which saw 306 Olympic crowns go to 59 countries and regions and a record 87 different delegations have medaled in Rio where 10 teams including Fiji, Singapore, Vietnam and Puerto Rico ended their Olympic gold drought.
Speaking positively about the prospects for the Paralympic Games, he said: “At London 2012, ticket sales began slowly, but later picked up a lot”.
“I hope I’ve set the bar high enough that no one can do it again”.
While his praise vindicated the efforts of organisers who have been slammed for infrastructure deficiencies, poor spectator turnout and transportation troubles, Brazil sports fans had more pressing concerns on their minds on the penultimate day of the first Olympics in South America.
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It is also Games in the middle of reality. The website will bring together written content, videos and animations about great victories and decisive sporting moments.
