Today, all South Americans are Brazilian!

South America is bursting with excitement and pride at the news that Brazil will host the 2016 Olympic games. Don't be offended, friends from Chicago, but the feeling is so contagious here that even I'm excited!

Brazil's President Lula da Silva, the golden political child of South America, won it for everyone. All the local presidents congratulated him! 

Xinhua summarized the reaction on this continent that, for the first time, will host the Olympic games.  Here's an excerpt with Peru's president's reaction, including his pitch for a Machu Picchu-Olympic Games trip package:

Peru's President Alan Garcia told media that Peru feels the victory as its own, that it represents a victory for all Latin America, and that it represents an opportunity for Peru's tourist industry.

"Even though I will not be in power, I will work hard so that all the citizens of the world who go to Brazil will make a stop in Peru, on the way there and the way back," he said.