ballooning became very popular soon after its initial experiements - advancements in the sport meant both hydrogen and heated air were eventually used to control balloon height. sport ballooning was born in the 1950's and exhibitions and balloon races became popular throughout the world

competitions with sport ballooning are relatively new to rio de janeiro - on january 22, 2007 the balloon federation of rio de janeiro, fberj, was founded in order to regulate and spread the sport in rio de janeiro. the fberj regularly trains new balloon pilots, organizes events, and helps judge the annual city wide balloon races.