The Rio Olympics Have Ended

BBC: Rio Olympics 2016: Spectacular closing ceremony as Olympic flag goes to Tokyo

The Rio Olympics ended with a spectacular carnival-inspired closing ceremony, and the official handover to 2020 hosts Tokyo.

The colourful ceremony, lasting almost three hours, celebrated Brazil's arts and was held in a wet Maracana.

Among the highlights were Tokyo's impressive showcase and a vibrant carnival parade.

"These were a marvellous Olympics, in a marvellous city," said International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach.

"Over the last 16 days a united Brazil inspired the world,

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More News On The Rio Olympics Coming To A Close

Water streams down to extinguish flame in Olympic cauldron, wrapping up Rio Games at closing ceremony -- AP
Rio throws final party to say goodbye to 2016 Olympics -- AP
Rio 2016: Curtain falls on Olympic Games -- DW
Samba, reflections and pride in final Rio Olympics party -- Chicago Tribune
Rio's parade is rained on one last time! Olympics closing ceremony is hit by a torrential rainstorm as Brazil brings the curtain down in front of a half-empty stadium -- Daily Mail
Rio Dances: Closing Ceremony For The 2016 Summer Olympics -- NPR
‘Let’s dance’: Olympics ends in relief for Brazilians -- Washington Post
Rio Olympics 2016: The most memorable moments -- BBC
16 memorable moments of Rio Olympics -- USA Today
Top 10 memorable moments of Rio Olympics Closing Ceremony -- Yahoo Sports

China Issues Anti-Terrorism Manual For Olympic Games

Members of China's armed police take part in an anti-terrorism drill.
Photograph: Fan Changguo/AP

From The Guardian:

The Chinese government is briefing residents on how to handle everything from chemical attacks to hijacking, issuing a special new anti-terrorism manual weeks before the Olympics.

"The book is practical. If correctly following its instructions, citizens are very much likely to escape and even stop a terrorist attack," the Public Security Bureau said in a statement.

Beijing has stressed that security is the top priority for the games, which begin on August 8. It has promised that a 100,000-strong anti-terrorist force of police, commandos and other troops will be on alert.

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More News On China And Its Anti-Terrorism Precautions For The Olympics

China anti-terror manual to enlist Beijing residents -- Reuters
China unveils anti-terrorism manual for Olympics -- LA Times
Missiles, 100K police on China's Olympic team -- USA Today
Hong Kong Olympics security threat moderate: police -- Reuters
'Ever-present' threat of Olympic terrorist attack: HK police -- Macau Daily Times
The Beijing Olympics: Five-ring circus -- The Economist
China steps up Olympic security -- Radio Australia
China scales down its Olympic ambitions -- The Telegraph

My Comment: The Chinese authorities and civilians are petrified of a terrorist strike during the Olympics. For them, the loss of face would be incalculable. I can understand the heavy security, but unfortunately it will take some spirit out of the games.