Syrian refugee Hanan Dacka takes part in the 2016 Olympic Games torch relay in Brasilia, Brazil, on May 3rd, 2016.
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It’s first stop was the Planalto Palace where Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, handed the first lit torch to Fabiana Claudino, captain of the Brazilian women’s volleyball team.
Last week, the Olympic flame made a symbolic stop in Switzerland before heading to Brazil.
The Olympic torch was lit for the first time on April 21 in front of the Temple of Hera, located in the Greek city of Ancient Olympia, by the sun’s reflection in a parabolic mirror, in keeping with traditional ritual.
In a brief speech at the torch-lighting ceremony, Rousseff said the relay would put Brazil’s beauty on display, but she also laced her comments with references to her fight for political survival. “We will infect our country with the Olympic spirit”, she said. Among the selected 10 is 12-year-old Syrian refugee Daqqah Hanan, in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the world’s refugees.
Rousseff is likely to be suspended next week when the Senate votes on opening the impeachment trial.
The torch then set out on a relay that will take it to 300 cities across Brazil.
The Olympic flame now goes on a 95-day journey around the country.
“This is a historical moment; I’m very proud to be the first person to carry the torch on Brazilian soil”, said the two-time Olympic champion.
During the ceremony, Rousseff said that despite living through a “truly critical period, Brazil will offer athletes and visitors the best welcome for the Olympics”.
Colonel Jose Vicente da Silva, a former head of public security, told The Associated Press in a recent interview that he expects demonstrations along the route.
Rio organizers hope the three- month relay will build enthusiasm for the Games, which has lagged as Brazil battles bribery and corruption scandals, recession and the Zika virus outbreak. There will be banners for or against President Rousseff.
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It threatens to be a hostile affair with two days scheduled for wide-ranging debate, but today was about the peace and unity that the Torch Relay can bring.
