Yesterday Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff had the honor of lighting the Olympic torch ahead of the 2016 Games. Due to take place in Rio de Janeiro from Augest 5th, the torch will pass through 329 cities before ending at the host city.
On its way around the city the torch was passed between several champion athletes; two-time Olymic gold winner Fabiana Claudino who has led Brazil's volleyball team to success twice and surfer Gabriel Medina were among those who carried the touch to the Presidential Palace. Another torch bearer was 12 year old Hanan Khaled Daggah, one of around 2,000 Syrian refugees who now call Brazil their home.
The torch will now commence its 95 day journey around the country and will be carried by around 12,000 relay runners.
