Rio de Janeiro, Niterói bid to host 2031 Pan, Parapan American Games

The General Assembly of the Brazilian Olympic Committee [Assembleia Geral do Comitê Olímpico do Brasil/COB] approved Rio de Janeiro and Niterói's joint bid to host the 2031 Pan American and Parapan American Games. Minister of Sports André Fufuca attended the meeting alongside mayors Eduardo Paes and Rodrigo Neves on Wednesday, January 29.

Following approval by the COB, Fufuca highlighted the positive impact that a competition of this magnitude can bring to Brazil. “Now we will work to ensure we leave behind a legacy. The Games won’t benefit just high performance athletes, but also grassroots sports — reaching communities, city peripheries, districts and villages. Sports, combined with education, are fundamental to the development of any society,” said the minister.

Major sporting events have been hosted in this region, such as the 2007 Pan American and Parapan American Games; the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics; and the 2014 World Cup. “We have a Pan American Games ready, just as we have a Women's World Cup ready. The structures and logistics are 90% complete. The Federal Government will be on hand to help us hold the best Games in history,” added Fufuca.

The city of Rio de Janeiro will also host the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in 2025, with the support of the Ministry of Sports. Mayors Rodrigo Neves and Eduardo Paes also emphasized the importance of the sporting legacy and the work that will be carried out if the cities are chosen. “The sporting legacy will be extraordinary. We are capable of working to build this over the next six years,” said Neves. “We reiterate our commitment that, if we are successful and are given the opportunity to host the Games, we will prioritize the athletes, the sports and the evolution of Brazilian sports. Moreover, we will leave a lasting legacy to the cities, and will work alongside the organizing committee,” added Paes.

Next, Rio and Niterói will send a detailed report to Panam Sports explaining how the sports will be divided between the cities. By April, the entity will analyze the proposal and may approve it or request adjustments. The selection of the host city is scheduled for August.

“The COB showed the maturity of the Brazilian Olympic movement this Wednesday. We are very happy to have a Brazilian bid to hold the Pan American Games in two sister cities: Rio de Janeiro and Niterói. I wish the teams from the candidate cities much luck and hard work, and I am certain that, here in the Olympic movement, we will continue to contribute to the evolution of sports in Brazil,” said COB President Marco La Porta.