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Pan-American Games open in Brazil Pan American Games open in Brazil
(about 11 hours later)
The Pan American Games have opened with a colourful ceremony in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.The Pan American Games have opened with a colourful ceremony in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.
Thousands of people watched a spectacular fireworks display as well as performances by hundreds of dancers and musicians.Thousands of people watched a spectacular fireworks display as well as performances by hundreds of dancers and musicians.
The competition will involve more than 5,000 athletes from 42 countries.The competition will involve more than 5,000 athletes from 42 countries.
Around 20,000 police officers will be on duty to ensure that the Games run smoothly, amid concern about the level of violence and crime in Rio.Around 20,000 police officers will be on duty to ensure that the Games run smoothly, amid concern about the level of violence and crime in Rio.
The official opening of the games was heralded by the arrival of the Pan American torch and a parade of the more than 5,000 athletes from across the Americas.The official opening of the games was heralded by the arrival of the Pan American torch and a parade of the more than 5,000 athletes from across the Americas.
However the tight security meant that many fans could not get to the stadium in time.However the tight security meant that many fans could not get to the stadium in time.
Brazil has not hosted an event of this size since the 1950 World Cup.Brazil has not hosted an event of this size since the 1950 World Cup.
That was one of the country's greatest moments of sporting anguish, when the Brazilian team lost to underdogs Uruguay in the final.That was one of the country's greatest moments of sporting anguish, when the Brazilian team lost to underdogs Uruguay in the final.
Rio is hoping for better memories from this event, which is being staged in the refurbished Maracana Stadium.Rio is hoping for better memories from this event, which is being staged in the refurbished Maracana Stadium.
Police crackdownPolice crackdown
It is thought up to $2bn (£1bn) have been invested to make the Games a success, several times more than was first planned.It is thought up to $2bn (£1bn) have been invested to make the Games a success, several times more than was first planned.
Colour and controversy
The authorities here hope if all goes well, it will boost their chances of securing the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.The authorities here hope if all goes well, it will boost their chances of securing the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.
Security has been tight in Rio following clashes in the favelas
But this has its sceptics even within Brazil, says the BBC's Gary Duffy in Rio.But this has its sceptics even within Brazil, says the BBC's Gary Duffy in Rio.
There were reports of a last-minute rush to complete work, but most venues now seem to be ready.There were reports of a last-minute rush to complete work, but most venues now seem to be ready.
Security will also be a concern here, amid high levels of crime and violence in Rio, our correspondent says.Security will also be a concern here, amid high levels of crime and violence in Rio, our correspondent says.
The latest casualty was a 16-year-old boy, killed by a stray bullet in a suburb of the city as he prepared breakfast in his own home.The latest casualty was a 16-year-old boy, killed by a stray bullet in a suburb of the city as he prepared breakfast in his own home.
The deployment of 20,000 police officers is aimed at ensuring that everything runs smoothly.The deployment of 20,000 police officers is aimed at ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
But some recent high-profile operations meant to target drug dealers in the city's favelas, or shanty towns, have been criticised by human rights organisations.But some recent high-profile operations meant to target drug dealers in the city's favelas, or shanty towns, have been criticised by human rights organisations.
In one day alone, 19 people died.In one day alone, 19 people died.
But the authorities deny any link between the recent escalation in police action and the Games.But the authorities deny any link between the recent escalation in police action and the Games.
The Pan-American Games are due to run to the end of July, with the athletes competing in almost 40 different sports.The Pan-American Games are due to run to the end of July, with the athletes competing in almost 40 different sports.