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Rio de Janeiro unveiled its 2016 Olympics logo before more than one million New Year's revellers on Copacabana beach.

The flowing symbol resembles three figures - orange, green and blue - embraced at the arms and in a flowing dance.

"The logo for Rio's 2016 Games conveys passion and transformation. The passion of all Cariocas (Rio citizens) and Brazilians for sport and celebration," said Carlos Nuzman, president of the Rio Olympic organising committee.

"And the transformation that the Games are already bringing to Rio and to Brazil."

A giant TV screen set-up on Copacabana beamed the logo to cheering spectators. Shortly after, a massive flag with the logo was rolled out atop the crowd, who caused the banner to shimmer as they danced underneath it.

Olympic organisers have said the Rio 2016 brand was created to reflect the city's culture and represent its natural wonders and joyful residents.

Organisers said the logo was designed based on four pillars: contagious energy, harmonious diversity, exuberant nature and Olympic spirit.

IOC President Jacques Rogge made his first visit to Rio since the Pan American Games in 2007, and in addition to seeing the logo unveiled, used the visit to take a close look at how the city has been preparing for the Games. IOC President Jacques Rogge has praised Rio de Janeiro's preparations for hosting the 2016 Games.

He visited the Brazilian city to help lay the cornerstone for the future Olympic Village, the head of the International Olympic Committee says he's proud of what has been accomplished so far.

Rogge says the preparations for the 2016 Games - the first to be hosted in South America - are advancing very well.

Construction of the Olympic Village will fully begin this month and will see 48 12-storey buildings going up to house 17,700 athletes.


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