Rio de Janeiro, Jan 30: The Rio 2016 Olympic torch relay will visit each one of Brazil's 26 states, carried 20,000 km by 10,000 torchbearers, reaching 90 percent of the Brazilian population, organisers said of the first Olympic Games in South America here.

"Upon being awarded the right to host the 2016 Olympic Games, we promised to involve the entire country, thereby ensuring it would be an event made by Brazilians, for Brazilians and with a Brazilian spirit for the world to enjoy," said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman Thursday, reports Xinhua.

"To stage the Olympic torch relay across the whole country is to fulfill that promise and give millions the chance to participate in an unforgettable celebration."

The torch journey will begin in the Greek city of Olympia, home of the ancient Olympic Games, and is expected to arrive in Brazil between 90 and 100 days before the start of the Games.

The torch relay, after passing through 250 cities and towns, will reach its destination Aug 5, 2016, when the torch will be used to light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium.

IANS