RIO DE JANEIRO - The Rio Games launched with a flamboyant spectacle headlined by supermodel Gisele Bundchen as a doom-laden Olympic build-up gave way to an energetic party atmosphere at the fabled Maracana stadium on Friday. But in a reminder of Brazil's parlous political and economic situation, boos and jeers greeted interim president Michel Temer before he declared South America's first Olympic Games open. Temer took over when impeachment proceedings started against President Dilma Rousseff, whose supporters accuse him of plotting against the suspended leader. Brazil has spent more than $10 billion on new infrastructure and preparing for the Games at a time of economic crisis. That gave way to an exuberant, joyous party which encompassed Brazil's breathtakingly diverse musical and cultural traditions.

Source: Bangkok Post August 06, 2016 03:11 UTC