Posted by Rachel
For today’s interactive feature, the question is: do you plan on attending the 2014 World Cup and/or the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil?
Sure, it’s a long way off, but I know a lot of people who are already set on attending one event or the other. Are you one of them? If you’re on the fence or considering going, how much would you be willing to pay for tickets to the games? (i.e. $100 for a preliminary soccer match, $250 for track and field, etc) Would you prefer to go to Rio de Janeiro (in the case of the Olympics) or would you prefer to visit Salvador, São Paulo, or Manaus (in the case of the World Cup, though the finals will take place in Rio)?
Posted by Rachel
In honor of Rio de Janeiro getting the 2016 Summer Olympics Games, let’s take a look at some related vocabulary. 
Track and field: Atletismo
Swimming: Natação
Rowing: Remo
Sailing: Vela
Boxing: Boxe
Cycling: Ciclismo
Fencing: Esgrima
Gymnastics: Ginástica
Greco-Roman Wrestling: Luta greco-romana
Triathalon: Triatlo
Posted by Rachel
Today’s the day, folks! The International Olympic Committee will decide which city will host the 2016 Summer Olympics: Rio de Janeiro, Chicago, Madrid, or Tokyo. For the last few months, Rio and Chicago have pulled ahead of the other two cities, with Rio often in the lead. However, now that President Obama will fly to Copenhagen, where the decision will be made, Chicago has pulled ahead with a slight lead over Rio. 
Nevertheless, the race is “too close to call,” and it’s a mystery as to which city will actually be chosen. The voting process will begin early tomorrow morning, and the winner will be announced at 12:30PM EST. (For more information on the voting process, click here)
Stay tuned to find out which city is chosen!
Posted by Rachel
On Friday, the Brazilian Olympic Committee submitted a US$14.4 billion bid to host the 2016 Summer 
Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The plan calls for $2.8 billion in operational costs and $11.6 billion in associated costs for construction and services.
The plan also states that the city will use infrastructure from the 2007 Pan American Games, as well as venues for the 2014 World Cup. Rio de Janeiro has a strategic advantage since it already has over half of the necessary facilities constructed, meaning it will have to invest less money during the financial crisis. Brazil has also been one of the least affected countries during the crisis, avoiding major economic damage.
According to GamesBids.com, which tracks the status of countries bidding for the Olympics, Tokyo is in the lead, and Rio de Janeiro is in second, behind by two points.
Posted by admin
President Lula was in China this week, along with Rio de Janeiro’s governor Sergio Cabral to promote the city of Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Since the Olympics has never been held in South America, Lula pushed for the games to be held in Brazil, citing the country’s growing economy and better infrastructure. He claims that the Olympics shouldn’t just be held in rich countries, claiming that the financial burden would be manageable. He stressed that Brazil and South America as a whole deserve this opportunity.
Rio de Janeiro is up against Chicago, Madrid, and Tokyo for the 2016 Games. GamesBids.com, a website that rates potential Olympic cities, has rated Chicago as the most likely candidate to win the games. However, Rio was the site of the 2007 Pan American Games, and will be one of several Brazilian cities to host the 2014 World Cup.
To read the transcript of Lula’s speech on a weekly radio address about the Olympics, click here.
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