Olympics-Rio's Copacabana beach erupts at Olympic win

RIO DE JANEIRO Oct 2 (Reuters) - Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach erupted in joy on Friday after the Brazilian city won the vote to host the 2016 Olympic Games, bringing the world's biggest sporting event to South America for the first time.

The decision in Copenhagen kicked off a Carnival-style celebration on the sand as thousands of Cariocas, as Rio residents are known, danced and shouted in delight in front of a big stage and screens that showed the vote live.

Surveys have shown strong support for hosting the Games in Rio and the city's campaign made the most of the famous passion of its people and its stunning natural setting between lush mountains and the sea.

The decision brings the Olympics to the city that most encapsulates the tropical country's love of Samba music, Carnival and soccer.

Thousands of exuberant Brazilians, many taking the day off work, partied with foreign tourists on the same sands where the beach volleyball competition will be held in 2016.

"Rio has everything and more than everything it has Cariocas who are the most marvelous people," said Norma Vilorinha, a retired teacher drinking beer on the beach. (Reporting by Brian Ellsworth; Writing by Stuart Grudgings; Editing by Todd Benson and John O'Callaghan)