Toronto 2015 congratulates Rio de Janeiro as 2016 Summer Olympic Games host

Toronto 2015 looks forward to Pan Am Games vote next month

TORONTO , Oct. 2 /CNW/ - Toronto 2015 Pan / Parapan American Games Bid Committee congratulates Rio de Janeiro on its successful bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, awarded by the International Olympic Committee today.

" Toronto 2015 would like to congratulate Rio de Janeiro on its 2016 Olympic Summer Games bid victory," said Hon. David Peterson , Chair, Toronto 2015. " Rio de Janeiro will present athletes and the world with an unforgettable experience in 2016. Competing cities Chicago , Madrid , and Tokyo also brought forward excellent bids and should be very proud of their efforts."

The 2016 Summer Olympic Games announcement comes about one month before the 2015 Pan / Parapan Games host city decision is made at the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) General Assembly in Guadalajara , Mexico , November 4-6, 2009.

The Pan Am Games is a major international multi-sport event, held every four years for athletes of the 42 PASO member nations and serves as an Olympic-qualifier for a number of participating sports. The next Pan Am Games will take place in Guadalajara , Mexico in October 2011 .

For real time Toronto 2015 Pan / Parapan American Games Bid updates, follow the Bid on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PanAmGamesTO15 and visit www.toronto2015.org for more information.

For further information: Liz Borowiec, Toronto 2015, T. [phone]