The 2016 Summer Games are underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

It’s the first time the Olympics have ever been held in South America, and Rio put on a colourful ceremony to oficially open the games at Maracana Stadium.

Canada’s flag-bearer, Rosie MacLennan of King City, Ontario led our 314 athletes into the stadium Friday night. MacLennan was Canada’s only gold medallist at the 2012 games in London, reaching the podium in trampoline competition.

Outside the stadium crowds gathered to protest the billions of dollars being spent by Brazil to host the games, and saying it would be better spent on social services to help those living in poverty.