Brazilian president Michel Temer was booed as the 2016 Paralympic Games opened in Rio de Janeiro to a backdrop of colour, music and a powerful message of inclusivity.
Thousands of performers were involved either side of the two-hour procession of competing countries at the Maracana on Wednesday.
Rio 2016 organising committee president Carlos Nuzman was booed during his speech, as was Brazilian President Temer a short while later.
The South American country has been beset by political unrest. Just 24 hours earlier, former Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff left her official residence for the last time following her impeachment and removal from office.
Nuzman did manage to finish his speech, which spoke of building a “new world, more accessible to all and with no obstacles”.
Temer’s role was brief as he officially opened the Games and handed over to more performers. Finally the flame was lit in driving rain, in front of a cheering crowd.
Thousands of performers were involved either side of the two-hour procession of competing countries at the Maracana on Wednesday.
Rio 2016 organising committee president Carlos Nuzman was booed during his speech, as was Brazilian President Temer a short while later.
The South American country has been beset by political unrest. Just 24 hours earlier, former Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff left her official residence for the last time following her impeachment and removal from office.
Nuzman did manage to finish his speech, which spoke of building a “new world, more accessible to all and with no obstacles”.
Temer’s role was brief as he officially opened the Games and handed over to more performers. Finally the flame was lit in driving rain, in front of a cheering crowd.
