Rio Olympics 2016: Opening ceremony celebrates Brazil to open Games
The 2016 Olympics have been formally opened with a colourful and pulsating ceremony at Rio's Maracana stadium, BBC http://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/36993259 informs.
Broadcast to an estimated audience of three billion, it celebrated Brazil's history, culture and natural beauty, before former marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima lit the Olympic cauldron.
According to the source, the build-up to Rio 2016 has been played out against a deep recession and political protests in Brazil.
The Games, the first to be held in South America, have also been disrupted by concerns over the Russian doping scandal, the Zika virus and problems with the city's security, infrastructure and venues. However, organisers will hope the focus can now shift to the action in 28 sports, with 207 teams, after the Games of the 31st Olympiad were officially opened.