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Rio Olympics 2016 - 22. August 2016.

Rio 2016 declared "marvellous" as Olympics close with samba celebration

  • By Nick Butler at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro



South America's first Olympic Games was declared over in pouring rain here tonight, but also in a blaze of colour, vibrancy and samba-dancing as Brazil came together to celebrate an event which had been a "great challenge, but a great success", according to its chief organiser.

If ever a Closing Ceremony was a snapshot for an entire Games, then it was tonight.

It was clear that the finale of Rio 2016 was put together on a much lower than budget than at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

They also faced the extra challenge of heavy rain and wind as well as an electricity outage shortly before action began.

The empty seats around the Maracanã also reminded people why these Olympics will never be remembered among the great Games. 

Once again, though, they managed to survive as generators were put into operation and a three-week festival of sport was closed in celebratory fashion.

Samba music blasted around the arena after the Olympics Flame had been extinguised as athletes - many of them enveloped in waterproof coverings - mingled together as they danced and jigged.

"We celebrate the Olympic Flame together with all of you," said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman.

"Rio did history, he shows his beauty and confidence to organise the most important sporting event in the world.

"It is a better city and is still a magic place.

"The Games in Rio was a great challenge, but a great success.

"I will say this again, I am proud of Rio, I am proud of my city.

"Yes, we are different, from North to South, but all Brazilians are Olympic heroes, vibrant together.

"These Games show that Brazilians do not flee from a battle."

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