The flame was then delivered to Greek gymnastics champion Eleftherios Petrounias, who will also be the first runner in a torch relay at the opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium on August 5. A team of South Korean government and Olympic officials visited Rio earlier this month to inspect Olympic venues and local hospitals that could treat the infected.
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Countdown events were held around the world, and Rio organisers took over the Olympic flame in Athens to start the journey to South America’s first Olympics.
South Korea’s Olympic committee on Wednesday unveiled “Zika-proof” uniforms complete with mosquito repellent it says will help protect athletes from the virus at this year’s games in Rio de Janeiro.
The proceedings against Dilma Rousseff mean there is uncertainty as to who will be in power during the Games.
U.S. Olympic officials have expressed deep concern over the Zika virus in Brazil, but they have not changed uniforms just yet.
The Olympic flame has arrived in Switzerland, home of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), en route from Athens to Brazil where the 2016 Games will be staged..
A BBC correspondent says at present there is little excitement in Brazil where the president faces impeachment.
The Olympic flame is an important symbol in the history of the Olympic Games, representing peace, unity and friendship.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon said Friday he will not remain neutral at the Rio Games, pledging to cheer for a team of refugees as the Olympic flame stopped by the United Nations in Geneva.
Brazil did play host to the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
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With Rio’s hills, beaches and the famed statue of Christ the Redeemer providing one of the most telegenic backdrops in the world, the Games are expected to be spectacular. The dance choreography throughout the ceremony included an instrumental version of Cidade Maravilhosa, a 1935 Rio Carnival hit by Andre Filho which has since become the city’s anthem.
