(ATR) Brazil Olympic team mascot Ginga was tossed in the air as the host team celebrated its official welcome to the Rio 2016 Olympic Village on Sunday morning.
A dance troupe, that included two walking trees, moved to the beat of classic and contemporary Brazilian music.
Olympic Village mayor Janeth Arcain, a retired basketball player, officially welcomed more than 80 members of the delegation, who were outfitted in fluorescent Nike gear. The ceremony featured the raising of the Olympic and Brazilian flags and playing of the Olympic and Brazilian anthems.
Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman said it was an important milestone.
"It was very moving, emotional, a good start for Brazil," Nuzman said.
"Now we are on the way for the Games. The Olympic flag, the Brazil flag, this is a moment that we dreamed for many years."
As many as 10 similar ceremonies happen a day, but this one was a highlight for the performers, led by Fred Araujo. He said the group had practiced for a month and a half for its project to tell the story of Brazil through music and song.
"It was with pleasure for me, I'm very grateful for the part," Araujo said.
The ceremony to welcome Iraq, Uruguay, Bolivia and Ukraine is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday. Afghanistan, Ireland, Rwanda, Turkmenistan and British Virgin Islands are at 12:30 p.m. Monday.
Written and reported by Bob Mackinin Rio de Janeiro
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