The 10 athletes who make up the Refugee team received massive cheers and applause when they entered the stadium, just ahead of the host country’s delegation.
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Temer, who took office in May when impeachment procedures were started against president Dilma Rousseff, was meant to be presented alongside International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.
The 2016 Olympics have been formally opened with a colourful and pulsating ceremony at Rio’s Maracana stadium. Preparations for the ceremony meant the Rio city government closed off almost 40 streets around the Maracana Stadium for nearly a full day on Friday.
The cauldron, which is smaller to represent the 2016 Games’ call for environmental restraint (really), is backed by a gorgeous and elaborate wind-powered sculpture that reflects the flame’s light.
The ceremony displayed various shades of Brazils rich and diverse culture.
Though not lit by Brazil’s favorite son, soccer star Pele, who had to bow out due to ill health- and despite the cauldron itself being smaller than in recent ceremonies- Rio’s flame may be the most spectacular visual from the games yet.
Then there was the doping scandal that at one point put the entire Russian team at risk of being barred from competition.We hope that as with previous games that experienced troubles in the planning stage, once the competition gets started people will forget about all the other issues and focus on the astonishing athletes vying for Olympic glory.In our area, residents have special rooting interests this year, with Conrad Weiser High School graduate Jackie Briggs playing goalie for the USA field hockey team, and Mertztown resident Bobby Lea, a cyclist competing in the grueling six-race event known as omnium.
I’ve grown up watching Olympic Opening Ceremonies on TV. The Republic has sent a contingent of 25 athletes taking part in seven sports, its joint-biggest since the 1956 Melbourne Games.
Earlier on Friday, thousands marched alongside Copacabana beach. Bach says all Brazilians “can be very proud tonight”, then went on to talk about the importance of these Olympics.
“Our admiration for you is even greater because you managed this at a very hard time in Brazilian history”.
Bach, however, said the Games were a “catalyst for transforming Rio into a modern metropolis that is even more attractive than before”, while Nuzman said he was the “proudest man alive” that his city had got this far. “We have always believed in you”.
Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman welcomed the world to the Games. “Let’s celebrate together as we work together to build the Games”.
Brazils interim President Michel Temer declared the opening of the games. The 16-year-old Hernandez was born as Chusovitina was planning to compete in her third Olympics in 2000. Americans won 103 medals four years ago in London.
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Swimmer Peaty will be the favourite to take gold in the 100m breaststroke, while Guy and Miley have hopes of winning medals in the 400m freestyle and 400m individual medley respectively.
