Rio wins Pan American Games

Rio beat San Antonio to host the event

Rio de Janeiro has won the race to stage the Pan American Games in 2007, it was announced on Saturday.

The Brazilian city beat San Antonio, Texas, which was widely touted as the favourite to host the tournament.

We have no problems with terrorism or terrorist groups

Brazil's Carlos Arthur Nuzman

Texas governor Rick Perry said he did not believe the terrorist attacks in the United States had played a factor in the decision.

Rio officials have pledged to spend $100m on hosting the event, enough to build a new Pan American parkway complete with an athlete's village and seven new stadiums and athletic complexes.

In an hour-long presentation that included a dazzling light-show and a mountain of confetti that rained from the ceiling, San Antonio officials championed their city's low crime rate.

But in a presentation that was light on special effects but heavy on samba music, Rio countered that athletes would not have to worry about terrorist attacks in their city.

"We have no problems with terrorism or terrorist groups," said Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president of Brazil's Olympic Committee.

Brazil is also vying to host a future Olympic Games.