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Rogge welcomes Rio bid for 2016 Olympics(Reuters)Updated: 2007-07-13 18:49 RIO DE JANEIRO, July 12 - International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge encouraged Brazil's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics on Thursday despite Rio staging the most expensive Panamerican Games in history. Rogge, who has vigorously campaigned to reduce the cost and size of the Olympic Games, took no issue with the estimated $1.5 to $2 billion price tag put on the Rio Panam Games and welcomed the city's candidature to host the 2016 Olympics. "I would like to say that the International Olympic Committee is very happy that we have six excellent candidates (for the 2016 Summer Games)," Rogge told reporters. "The IOC can be very happy to have received the candidature for Rio. "The six candidates have very good potential and I can say Rio will be a very strong contender. "At the IOC we always take good care that the operation budget is as minimal as possible and we succeed at that and that the interest of the budget also leaves a very good legacy for the organising city. "I can say having seen the infrastructure this will be a tremendous legacy for Rio not just for the 16 days of competition but for decades to come. "Many generations will benefit from this legacy and I think this aspect is socially well developed and responsible." Like the fight to host the 2012 Olympics won by London over Madrid, New York, Paris and Moscow, the 2016 Summer Games has attracted another list of heavyweight contenders. Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo and Rio along with Doha, Qatar and Baku, Azerbaijan are set to battle for one of world sport's biggest prizes. With the IOC eager to bring the Olympics to South America for the first time, the Rio bid would receive a considerable boost if it can run a smooth Panam Games. Over 5,500 athletes from 42 countries are expected to take part in the 16-day competition which opens on Friday with many of the 31 Olympic events played in new or renovated facilities. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held in the refurbished Maracana Stadium with athletics and soccer taking place in the new 45,000-seat Joao Havelange Stadium. A new state-of-the-art swimming stadium and multi-purpose arena give the 15th Panam Games an impressive list of first class venues eclipsed only by Rio's breathtaking backdrops.
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