From Copacabana to the soccer cathedral called Maracana. From Pau de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) to the mouth of Guanabara Bay, the people of Brazil hosted the initial Olympic Games on he South American continent. The legacy of the games are attributed to ancient Greece and the Peloponnese Peninsula, some 3,000 years ago. The modern games, re-established in Athens, circa 1898. Hosting the 206 nations for 21 days is a tremendous undertaking for any nation. Rio de Janeiro’s diverse people and geography provided the perfect stage for the games of 2016. There were many challenges, however, the spirit of the games and the promise of athletic competition, among nations, at the highest level was ultimately achieved. The world records set in Rio, may not last, but the spirit, kindness and genuine love from the people of Rio de Janeiro, shall always endure. Until we return, obrigado. Photos by Jon Gaede
