The Rio Olympics opening ceremony was a spectacular and innovative display of the country's history and culture celebrated through music and colour. With only 5% -10% of the budget of Beijing's and London's Olympics, the Brazilians made up for it with the creativity and innovation they are well known for. With a focus on their multicultural history, peace and the environment, the Opening Ceremony was a work of art with a lot of heart and honesty. Speaking of innovation, they even, very cleverly reinvented the peacesign, incorporating a tree, as part of their environmental message. Nobody was left out of the cultural tapestry, not even the favellas which were acknowledged and celebrated. And yes, even their famous Carnivale had a presence, since some cliches and stereotypes are unavoidable in any ceremony as creative director Fernando Meirelles had hinted before the Games. The creative directors Fernando Meirelles, Daniela Thomas, Andrucha Waddington and Deborah Colker have much to be proud of. And finally the moment of the athletes, with Greece first, leading them into the Macarena stadium. The Greek squad's flagbearer was Olympic gold medallist Sofia Bekatorou. From Greek City Times, Bravo Brazil! And good luck to all the athletes.
