The 2016 Rio Olympics have begun in Brazil with a stunning opening ceremony.
They say that if you like it then you should put a ring on it. Guess you can say we loved the #OpeningCeremony ? pic.twitter.com/aDUGSWEtgr
— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) August 6, 2016
Celebrating Brazil’s history and diverse culture, the theme of the night was the need for environmental protection, and each athlete will recieve a seed that will be planted in Brazil during the games.
Each athlete receives a native #BRA seed to be planted in the #AthletesForest in #Deodoro after the #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/39G5fcmAV1
— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) August 5, 2016
Great concept to give each athlete in the #OpeningCeremony parade a seed to plant, to grow into a legacy forest. #Globalwarming
— David K Smith (@professor_dave) August 6, 2016
History was made as these games will be the first to have a team made up of 10 refugees. Previously if refugees competed in the Olympics it was either as part of their new country or as an independent athlete.
History being made as the world’s first-ever #TeamRefugees enters the arena at the @Olympics in Rio. pic.twitter.com/VdVBTUp1pe
— UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) August 6, 2016
Syrian refugee, Yusra Mardini, swam for 3 hours while pushing a sinking boat filled w/ 20 people ❤️ #OpeningCeremony https://t.co/FMMi6REY8N
— Brown Saraah (@Brown_Saraah) August 6, 2016
Reaction to the ceremony on social media was positive.
Rio #OlympicCauldron was a ‘Wow’ moment. Just Stunning! #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/FMN3xm8qns
— PollyAnna DeTar (@Pollyfrogy) August 6, 2016
With all the craziness going on in the world its beautiful to see all these countries represented and coming together! #OpeningCeremony
— Ebony Rae (@by_ERae) August 6, 2016
Rio, your #OpeningCeremony was pure Art. Truly Beautiful & Unforgettable. Thank You. #RioOlympics2016 pic.twitter.com/xVQaDnti78
— Visionairess (@Visionairess) August 6, 2016
The flame was lit by marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro. The Games will run until August 21st.
