LATEST NEWS: Madrid Loses Bid to Rio De Janeiro for 2016 Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee has just chosen Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games. Brazil will be the first South American country to host an Olympic Games. The contingents of Brazil and Spain gave impassioned speeches and spectacular presentations of their respective countries during the 121st IOC Session and XIII Olympic Congress in Copenhagen. Madrid had the backing of the Spanish king whilst Rio de Janeiro had Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Making his speech in the Bella Center, King Juan Carlos emphasized the importance of tradition along with the theme of keeping the human touch to the Olympic proceedings.

Spain last held a Summer Olympics Games in 1992. The city was Barcelona.

Photo: REUTERS

Peter Phillips Observes Equestrian Events in China

Whilst his uncle, Prince Edward, has been attending the Paralympic Games in Beijing as patron of the British Paralympic Association, Peter Phillips has been a spectator to some of the Paralympic equestrian events this week. He and his wife, Autumn, have accompanied the Princess Royal to some of the sporting events in Beijing the last several weeks. His sister, Zara, was unable to participate in the Beijing Olympics when her horse, Toytown, sustained an injury rendering him incapacitated to compete in top form.

Photo: REUTERS