Olympics

Pele Hopes to Make Olympics Closing Ceremony

Pele was the preferred choice of organizers to light the cauldron during the opening ceremony, but he first said sponsorship commitments and later cited health concerns for keeping him away

Pele hopes to make an appearance at the closing ceremony for the Rio Olympics.

The Brazilian soccer great, who has been in poor health, tweeted Tuesday: "I am continuing my physiotherapy and focused on joining you for the closing festivities on August 21. I love you! #olympics"

Pele was the preferred choice of organizers to light the cauldron during the opening ceremony, but he first said sponsorship commitments and later cited health concerns for keeping him away.

The 75-year-old Pele had hip surgery recently and walks with a cane.

The Olympic cauldron was instead lit by Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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