Kosovo and South Sudan marched into the opening ceremony of an Olympics for the first time, making their debut at the Rio Games.
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Rio 2016 has had a hard upbringing with worries about the country’s ability to afford it, Rio’s preparations and sport’s credibility in the face of a divisive doping crisis, but South America’s first ever Olympics is now ready to entertain the world and perhaps revive a nation.
Temer, flanked by dozens of heads of state, played a minor role in the ceremony, speaking just a few words.
Besides showcasing the unique culture of Brazil and its deep connection with dance and music, the theme of environmentalism was also highlighted, no surprise considering the country is at the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
As the Opening Ceremony of the 31st Olympics began in Rio de Janeiro, India’s largest ever contingent was led by flag bearer Abhinav Bindra.
The athletes were given tree seeds, plus cartridges of soil.
UPDATED 4.23PM In a dazzling display of light, colour and an infectious Samba beat, the Olympic Games have burst into life in Rio.
The opening ceremony traced Brazil’s history, from its earliest people, to the coming of the Europeans along with Rio’s development into a pulsating metropolis.
Retired former World No. 1 tennis player Gustavo Kuerten, also known as Guga, kicked off the cauldron relay, handed over the torch to the world’s great female basketball player Hortencia Marcari.
Earlier, Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, called on world nations to unite amidst ongoing conflicts in the world.
“We are living in a world of crises, mistrust and uncertainty”, he said.
One of the favourite segments of any opening ceremony has been the Parade of Nations and this was no different as Greece, the birthplace of the Summer Games, led out all 206 countries plus, for the first time, a refugee team.
The athletes entered to a standing ovation, wearing tan trousers, blue blazers and waving a flag bearing the Olympic logo, under which they will compete.
In a video preceding the show, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the games “celebrate the best of humanity” and appealed for an Olympic truce, calling on “all warring parties to lay down their weapons” during the two weeks of sporting achievement.
With much lesser use of high-tech than the one displayed in Beijing (2008) and London (2012), Rio depended more of its own talents and Brazils Carnival party.
Bach, however, said the Games were a “catalyst for transforming Rio into a modern metropolis that is even more lovely than before”, while Nuzman said he was the “proudest man alive” that his city had got this far.
He replaced his ally-turned-enemy, suspended President Dilma Rousseff, who was booed here when she arrived at the World Cup’s inaugural game two summers back.
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The impeachment bid was launched over allegations that she manipulated government accounts before the last election.
