On Friday, August 5th, 2016, the whole world was able to see the beginning of the next two to three weeks. Many people around the globe will turn on their televisions in hopes to watch their country's best athletes give it their all in hope for victory. The Opening Ceremony was filled with many highlights, and performances. However, despite the excitement, there are indeed some aspects to analyze while watching the game.
Protesting the Games
While the teams, audience, and viewers were celebrating the Opening Ceremony, thousands of Rio's civilians were outside the stadium in protest. They were in protest of their Brazilian government for spending millions on the games and not on the necessities of their country. Many were interviewed stating they had no issues with the games themselves, yet they couldn't believe their country was spending so much when it could be spending it on better streets. From research, Brazil has a huge population in poverty. Not to mention that the president, Dilma Rousseff, has been suspended for budget fraud, and has vice president, Michel Temer filling in. They have been wanting a reform in government as well, and are questioning Temer's judgement as the current president. Despite the issues, the protest was peaceful, since they realize this an important event not only for their nation, but for the whole world. The Opening Ceremony turned out to be less pricey than in other years previous.
The Air and Water
A portion of the games will be held in swimming areas. Not to mention Michael Phelps will be coming back one last time to compete and keep his title alive. Yet, before the games started the talks of the conditions for the players have been mentioned. Scientist stated that the water, was in fact, toxic for the swimmers. Anyone in close contact with it may face infections. Changes were going to be made, yet officials have now said it will take years to make the change in the water's toxins.
Yet, Scientists are beginning to say that the water issues re minor due to the air the athletes have to breathe in. According to the World Health Organization, they stated that the air's pollution is a bigger worry than the worry since everyone is required to breathe and inhale it. Paulo Saldiva, a member of WHO, states "A lot of attention has been paid to Rio's water pollution, but far more people die because of air pollution than the water," he said. "You are not obligated to drink water from Guanabara Bay but you must breathe Rio's air."
Brazil has the best intentions to host the games, yet everything is not what it seems. I hope the athletes will be well equipped, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Their health is at risk. Brazil is hosting a grand event and is doing its best to make sure they represent themselves to the best of their abilities, despite their conditions.
