Brasilia, January 30 (RHC-teleSUR) -- The much anticipated 2016 Olympic torch relay will pass through nearly 250 Brazilian cities before reaching Rio de Janeiro, the country’s organizing committee announced Thursday.

"The torch will go to all corners of Brazil, to the furthest and most difficult points, to allow the Brazilian people to participate," organizing committee president Carlos Nuzman told reporters.

The relay will pass through 26 states as well as the federal district of Brasilia spanning a route of over 20,000 kilometers. The route will last approximately 100 days and will require at least 10,000 torch bearers, with 90 percent of the population having the opportunity to see the torch before the Olympic games begin.

Nuzman added, “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. 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.”

Nuzman also stressed that the committee is working alongside the government to guarantee security and safety during the torch relay.

The games begin in 18 months in Brazil, who recently hosted the 2014 World Cup.