PowerPoint Show by Andrew

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The games of the 31st Olympiad are now under way in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Organizers kicked off the proceedings with a colorful opening ceremony that highlighted Brazilian history and culture, and featured messages of hope and of care for the environment.

Singers, lightshows, the Parade of Nations, multimedia performances, and Samba dances were all followed by the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron in Maracana Stadium, and the beginning of the  Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.

Former Brazilian tennis player Gustavo Kuerten carries the Olympic torch into Maracana stadium.

Tennis legend Gustavo Kuerten (left) hands the Olympic flame to Hortencia Marcari (right).

Hortencia Marcari is photographed by dozens of athletes as she carries the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony.

Former Brazilian athlete Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima climbs stairs to the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic torch.

Vanderlei Cordeiro the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic torch.

The Olympic Cauldron is lit at the Olympic Boulevard for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 5, 2016.

The Brazil flag is raised during a performance at the Opening Ceremony.

The Olympic flag is carried onto the stage during the Opening Ceremony.

Brazilian soldiers raise the Olympic flag as the Brazilian flag flies above during the Opening Ceremony.

The Brazilian flag flaps in the breeze in Maracana Stadium.

Fireworks explode above the stadium roof during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium on August 5, 2016.

People watch fireworks exploding over the Maracana stadium, from a terrace in the favela Mangueira, during the Opening Ceremony.

Dancers run into place during the opening ceremony, part of a piece depicting the rise of Brazil's rainforest.

A performer portrays a Portuguese explorer on a ship.

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen walks as The Girl From Ipanema during the Bossa segment during the Opening Ceremony.

Paulinho da Viola performs during the Opening Ceremony.

A street map and mockup of a favela fill the floor of Maracana Stadium.

Performers scale mock buildings in Maracana Stadium.

Dancers perform the Pop: Tropical Nation segment of the Opening Ceremony.

Dancers perform in Maracana Stadium.

Samba dancers perform during the opening ceremony in Rio.

Maracana Stadium is lit by fireworks during the opening ceremony.

A dancer performs "A Simple Idea that Helps A Lot".

Young performers run into Maracana Stadium on August 5, 2016.

Fireworks explode above the stadium during the Opening Ceremony.

Athletes are introduced during the Opening Ceremony.

A member of the South Korean delegation smiles during the opening.

Members of the Bolivian team walk in the "Parade of Nations" segment.

Team Canada emerges into the stadium during the Opening Ceremony.

Michael Phelps, arrives with the United States delegation during the Opening.

Michael Phelps carries the flag of the United States during the 2016 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Australian athletes take a selfie as they march into Maracana Stadium.

An athlete from the Israeli contingent makes the shape of a heart with his fingers as he enters the stadium.

Flag-bearer Timo Boll of Germany leads his contingent during the Opening Ceremony.

Germany's athletes during the Ceremony.

Members of Team China arrives in the stadium.

Croatian athletes hold their national flag during the Opening Ceremony.

The Bulgarian team arrives for the Opening Ceremony.

Members of South Africa's delegation dance during the Parade of Nations in Maracana Stadium.

Athletes from around the world gather on the floor of Maracana Stadium.

Fireworks explode over the stadium during the Opening Ceremony.

The Olympic rings are displayed by the Brazilian delegation during the Opening Ceremony.

Athletes from Brazil during the Opening Ceremony.

American fans take a selfie during the Ceremony.

Fireworks explode over the Maracana Stadium.