Rio de Janeiro  - Officials of the Rio de Janeiro bid to host the 2016 Olympics rejoiced Wednesday over the report that the evaluating commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued Wednesday.

For authorities in the Brazilian city, the IOC showed a "clear approval" for the Rio bid, which competes with Madrid, Chicago and Tokyo to host the Games.

"We are very happy, because the report confirmed the IOC's approval of our project and our vision for the Games, and showed that Rio is regarded as being ready to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in South America," said Carlos Nuzman, president of the Rio 2016 committee.

The final decision on the 2016 Games is set to be made by the IOC in Copenhagen on October 2.

"We are confident that Rio de Janeiro will host unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the power to transform the country and the continent," Nuzman said.

"The IOC report acknowledges the strength of the Rio Games to generate social transformation and our capacity to 'leave an affordable and significant legacy,'" he said, quoting the IOC evaluating commission report.

The 98-page report is non-binding, but it is likely to influence the votes of the 107 IOC members who are set to make the final decision in Copenhagen. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plans to travel to the Danish capital for the final presentation.

The report praised the Rio bid for "using sport as a catalyst for social integration and the Games for 'celebration and transformation' of the city, the region and the country."

The commission further noted that the fact that Brazil is hosting the 2014 football World Cup "will accelerate infrastructure delivery and provide valuable organizational experience."  dpa