The award ceremony, which is organised annually in London since 2001, honours two outstanding leaders who have been particularly instrumental in forging closer ties between Brazil and the United Kingdom.

This year, the awardees were Nuzman and Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012.

They received their awards from Marcia Lins, Secretary of the Sport of the state of the Rio de Janeiro, in front of 500 guests.

"I feel very honoured to receive this award. Rio 2016 will bring opportunities and benefits to society and unprecedented urban improvements, in addition to boosting development not only in Rio de Janeiro, but all over Brazil," said Nuzman.

"The Games will make the entire nation's dream come true."

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