With the Olympic flame extinguished in London, the spotlight has shifted to Rio de Janeiro as it prepares to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Rio de Janeiro is the first South American city to host the Olympic games, and Brazil and its Olympic committee are pledging to make the Rio games the most touching and memorable Olympiad.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said in a statement that she will not spare any efforts for the success of the 2016 Olympics. Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes also stressed that his city will keep all Olympic-related promises made to the International Olympic Committee.

Eighteen out of the total 34 sports facilities needed for the Rio Olympic Games are being built, and about half of the construction of the main stadium Maracanã has been completed.