Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony An Event That Unites The World PICTURES

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee during the opening ceremony said: "Dear fellow athletes. This is the pinnacle of your Olympic journey. You have come to Paris as an athlete. Now you are Olympians.

"Stepping into the Olympic Village, you realise like generations of Olympians before: now I am part of something bigger than myself. Now we are part of an event that unites the world. In our Olympic world, there is no “global south” or “global north”. We all respect the same rules and each other. In our Olympic world, we all belong.

"As Olympians, we care for each other. We do not only respect each other, we live in solidarity with each other. All of you have experienced this and benefitted from our Olympic solidarity on your long journey to finally becoming Olympians. This solidarity is made possible through the generous support of all our Media Rights Holders and top partners. All together, we thank them and everyone who supported you on your Olympic journey.

"In a world torn apart by wars and conflicts, it is thanks to this solidarity that we can all come together tonight, uniting the athletes from the territories of all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. Welcome to the best athletes of the world – welcome, Olympians."

See some pictures during the rainy opening ceremony