The party has been going on non-stop in Rio after it won its bid to host the 2016 Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has overwhelmingly voted for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to host the 2016 Olympics, at the 121st Session held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

IOC President, Jacques Rogge, said: “I would like to congratulate the city of Rio de Janeiro on its election as the host of the 2016 Olympic Games.

“Rio de Janeiro presented the IOC with a very strong technical bid, built upon a vision of the Games being a celebration of the athletes and sport, as well as providing the opportunity for the city, region and country to deliver their broader long-term aspirations for the future.”

Voting got underway on Friday morning (2 October) with Chicago, receiving the least votes in the first round and thus the first to exit the ballot, despite being the bookmakers’ favourite. US President Barack Obama, who hails from the city, said he had no regrets about the bid and that it had been the strongest possible.

Tokyo was the second country to be taken out of the running, which left Madrid and Rio to battle it out for the coveted Olympic prize. In the final round, Rio received more than double the votes than Madrid, with 66 compared to Madrid’s 32.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent his congratulations to the city: “I know very well the pride and excitement the people of Rio and indeed the whole of Brazil will be feeling tonight at the prospect of having the Olympics on home soil.

“I have no doubt that Rio will make its own special contribution and make its own mark on this historic competition.”

The UK’s Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said that the UK will be on hand to offer help and support in the lead up to the 2016 Olympics: “In line with the IOC’s desire that knowledge and experience is passed from host to host, I would be delighted to offer Rio de Janeiro 2010 whatever help and support we can as it embarks on its own Olympic and Paralympic journey.”

Brazil is also set to host the 2014 World Cup.