The 2016 Summer Olympics kicked off Friday night in Rio de Janeiro with a spectacular opening ceremony that explored Brazil's history, its current political situation, and an allegory of climate change
The four-hour ceremony was directed by Brazil’s Fernando Meirelles, the director of “City of God,” and producer Daniela Thomas.
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of the first-ever all refugee team, which received thunderous applause and cheers from around the world.
Tonight, the first-ever #TeamRefugees will also stand before the world and prove that you can succeed no matter where you're from.
— President Obama (@POTUS) August 5, 2016
Read More: Meet The First-Ever All-Refugee Olympic Team
The official team of refugee athletes marched in front of the host country carrying an Olympic flag.
Each one of the 10 refugee athletes — from 18-year-old Syrian swimmer Yasra Mardini, to judo duo who fled civil war only to become refugees again in Brazil in 2013 — will proudly walk “representing all refugees in the world” as judo Olympian Yolande Mabika said.
They have the support of the world, and brave leaders like Malala already stand with them.
These are the athletes to watch throughout the rest of the games. Each has encountered challenges along the way to Rio. Meanwhile, the host country has had its own troubles.
The threat of the Zikavirus, reports of violence, including gang rape, protests, unfinished rooms and infrastructure, and concerns around dangerous water pollution levels are just some of the issues and criticisms Brazil has faced since the country’s bid was accepted by the International Olympics Committee six years ago.
Read More: Is hosting the Olympics really a good idea for a country?
However, there have been positive global messages. An inspirational song from Katy Perry, and small steps when it comes to sustainability by the IOC like revamping the Olympics medals to be made from recycled metal.
Throughout the next 17 days of Olympic competitions, events, and media coverage we should focus on the people in Rio more than anything.
Between the Refugee Olympic Team, the courageous four women competing from gender-restricted Saudi Arabia, protesters and people on the street, and high-profile athletes, there will be a lot to pay attention to. Here is your Global Citizen guide to events, people, and topics to set a reminder and tune in to watch, or read about, and discuss.
Refugee Olympics Team Athletes:
Who: Yasra Mardini
Competing in: Women’s swimming
When: Saturday August 6 (100m butterfly), August 10 (100m freestyle)
Read More: After nearly drowning in Lesbos, Yusra Mardini swims for Olympic Refugee Athletes team
Who: Rami Anis
Competing in: Men’s swimming
When: August 9 (100m freestyle), August 11 (100m butterfly)
Read More: His Uncle Swam for Syria; Now Rami Anis Joins Refugee Olympic Team
Who: Yonas Kinde
Competing in: Men's track & field (Marathon)
When: August 21
Read More: Yonas Kinde: Marathon Runner First, Ethiopian Refugee Second
Who: Anjelina Nadai Lohalith
Competing in: Women's track & field (1500m)
When: August 12
Read More: Anjelina runs for Olympic Refugee team in hopes of returning home
Who: Yolande Mabika
Competing in: Women’s judo (70kg)
When: August 10
Read More: Why this Olympic Judoka wrestler is fighting for it all
Who: Popole Misenga
Competing in: Men’s judo (90kg)
When: August 10
Read More: Popole Misenga Landed in Rio — But Not How Most Olympians Got There
Who: Rose Nathike Lokonyen
Competing in: Women's track & field (800m)
When: August 17
Read More: ‘I Was Just Running Barefoot:’ Now Rose Is Sprinting for Gold
Who: James Nyang Chiengjie
Competing in: Men's Track & Field (400m)
When: August 12
Read More: James Nyang Chiengjie Ran From Civil War. Now He’s Running for the Gold
Who: Yiech Pur Biel
Competing in: Men's track & field (800m)
When: August 12
Read More: 11 Years Ago He Fled Sudan; Now He Is Running in the Olympics
Who: Paulo Amotun Lokoro
Competing in: Men's track & field (1500m)
When: August 16
Read More: Paulo Lokoro Left Home Without Even a Pair of Shoes; Now He’s an Olympian
Female Athletes From Saudi Arabia:
Who: Sara Al-Attar
Competing in: Women's track & field (800m)
When: August 17
Who: Cariman Abu Al-Jadail
Competing in: Women’s track & field (100m)
When: August 12
Who: Lubna Al-Omair
Competing in: Women’s fencing (Individual foil)
When: August 10
Who: Wujud Fahmi
Competing in: Women’s judo (52kg)
When: August 7
Big Names to Watch:
Michael Phelps (who is now a confirmed human), and Katie Ledecky (suspected swim champ), Usain Bolt (Global Goals champion!), Serena Williams (taking time off from literally building schools) and many more.
Topics to Stay Tuned Into:
Political corruption, Russia’s drug scandal, animal abuse, political instability, safety of athletes, attendees, and Brazilian locals, protests, inspirational ads, what food is being served in Brazil — you name it there will be a lot to talk about and we’ll be covering it in the coming weeks for Global Citizens.
What to do when you’re sad all the excitement is over? Tune back in for the Paraolympics Sept. 7.
By taking action on Global Citizen, you will have a chance to win tickets to this year's Global Citizen Festival in New York City on Sept. 24, 2016.