(ATR) For the first time in recent Games, a head of state takes part in the traditional invitation ceremony held on the one year mark to the Summer Olympics.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff joined IOC President Thomas Bach, Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes, Rio 2016 Coordination Commission chair Nawal El Mouwatakel, and Brazilian sports minister George Hilton in the August 5 ceremony in Rio de Janeiro inviting athletes from a record number of NOCs to the Games.
Since 2012, Kosovo and South Sudan have been accepted as full members of the IOC. Both countries expect to send athletes to Rio, meaning all 206 NOCs will participate in the 2016 Olympics.
Rousseff welcomed the world to the first South American Olympics, and praised the efforts of the organizing committee and the city government.
Thomas Bach echoed the sentiments of Rousseff saying "there is no doubt the world will see a great Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro."
Click here to read Wednesday's full story.
Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro
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