The Bolivian President Evo Morales along with his Vice President Alvaro Garcia celebrated on Sunday their country's inclusion in the Dakar Rally, saying it marks the first time ever Bolivia has hosted a world-class sporting event.

The race entered Bolivian territory on Sunday and Morales first flew to the town of Uyuni, where the motorcycle and quad competitors were due to arrive, then flew via helicopter to the town of Villazon on the border with Argentina, the last Bolivian stop on the rally route.

"We are making sports history." Morales said and added he would visit the sites hosting the race, especially to cheer on the Bolivian competitors, in a race that kicked off January 5th in Rosario, Argentina and will finish today Monday in Chile.