Sports fans praise Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony’s green and environmental message

The Rio 2016 Olympics kicked off last night. The Opening Ceremony was a simple one that boasted an earnest message as well as a party vibe – and it was greeted with enthusiasm on social media…

Sports fans praised the Opening Ceremony’s green and environmental theme:

Spirited green opening ceremony of Rio Olympics.
Rain forests and environment centre stage.
Thanks – so inspiring! pic.twitter.com/KFY7XgW2pu

— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) August 6, 2016

Each athlete is planting a tree as they walk the stadium that's the best idea ever #OlympicCeremony #CerimoniaDeAbertura

— ?? (@gabeharmonizer) August 6, 2016

The #Rio2016 #OlympicCeremony was simple but I like it being about people & planet. Lighting of the flame was great! pic.twitter.com/UKbRfjbDM7

— Gary C (@oohgaryc) August 6, 2016

Though some were quick to point out that Rio’s road to the Olypmics could have been greener…

Pointing out #climatechange during #OpeningCeremony but where is the action?! Save Brazil's Atlantic rainforest w/ our partner @REGUABrasil

— Rainforest Trust (@RainforestTrust) August 6, 2016

Meanwhile viewers were also touched by the introduction of the first ever refugee Olympic team:

My heart is so happy for the #RefugeeOlympicTeam ❤️????????????????

— Mona Bagatsing (@Mownana) August 6, 2016

#RefugeeOlympicTeam this hashtag is beautiful, these people are an inspiration to all of us. A symbol of strength.

— Mystery/Crime Books (@bfbooks96) August 6, 2016

New rule: It's totally ok to cheer for the #RefugeeOlympicTeam at least as hard as you do for your own country's athletes.

— Jennifer Latham (@jenandapen) August 6, 2016

But it wasn’t all serious. The Olympic Ceremony also showcased Rio’s carnival heritage:

WOW!
Rio is bringing the carnival feel!#OpeningCeremony #Rio2016 https://t.co/jfWLBcGTIk

— Team GB (@TeamGB) August 6, 2016

This must have been the most colorful #Olympics opening ever. #OlympicCeremony

— Satish Pandey (@SatishKTM) August 6, 2016

There was dancing and music galore:

Twitter tonight #OlympicCeremony pic.twitter.com/ADWiidYyWx

— putana de seatbeltz (@DboogdogFW) August 6, 2016

My littlest should be in bed, instead she's dancing around like a loon to the Rio opening ceremony! #lovetheolympics

— Carrie Prideaux (@sportycarrie) August 5, 2016

The #OpeningCeremony from Rio was beyond beautiful. I'm still dancing from the music.

— Now×ReturnxThexEbony (@HelloxEbony) August 6, 2016

Supermodel Gisele walked a super-sized catwalk…

Gisele Bundchen last runway show pic.twitter.com/NrvLBpqhJN

— ㅤ (@smokensunset) August 6, 2016

All in all, social media was impressed by the show Rio put on:

Man! We`re ALL #Brazilian now! Fabulous opening ceremony Brazil…Magnifico! #realpassion #Olympics #OlympicCeremony

— Ray Hudson (@RayHudson) August 6, 2016

Already blown away by #OlympicCeremony And this is on a limited budget?! Brill.

— Kathy Rose O’Brien (@kathyroseobrien) August 5, 2016

Some were momentarily distracted by Tonga’s topless flag bearer…

Fun fact: #Tonga uses over 90% of the world’s oil to keep their flag bearers at maximum glisten. #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/pPgyAdgavW

— Benjamin Siemon (@BenjaminJS) 6 August 2016

Aaand the gold medal for #OpeningCeremony entrances goes to…#Tonga. pic.twitter.com/mbOeGS2cMR

— Lindsey Warren (@Lindsey651) August 6, 2016

Where is #Tonga and how do I get there #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/UlEDGX8X8q

— Brandi (@BlondieInTX) 6 August 2016

But Olympic spirit was officially out in force:

A few????moments during #OlympicCeremony. Not sad tears, but just ones from seeing athletes of the world standing together in broken times????????…

— David Fertello (@DavidFertello) August 6, 2016

Of course for the UK, it was a long night…

Me waiting for the #OlympicCeremony pic.twitter.com/SSXKIQ9Sc6

— rachel mcfc ???? (@racheljjw35) August 5, 2016

Last thing I recall is holding the remote waiting for the Rio Olympics opening. Next thing I knew it was 8am. Sleep 4 | Me 0.

— Paul Ampurire ☹ (@TheJuneKid) August 6, 2016

But the consensus is that staying up was worth it…

A huge clap ???????? to the mind behind the Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016!!! This is just WOW!!! #RioOlympics2016 #OpeningCeremonyRio2016

— *AlwaysBadTiming* (@Vany_8209) August 6, 2016