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UN chief attends Olympic Torch Relay in Brazil

Xinhua, August 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon took part in the Olympic Torch Relay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Friday morning, accepting the torch from International Olympics Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, told reporters here.

After running with it for 100 meters, Ban handed the Olympic torch over to Thaiza Vitoria da Silva, who is a 15-year-old handball player, Haq said at a daily news briefing here. "She will be representing the 400 girls currently participating in the 'One Win Leads to Another' joint programme with UN Women and the IOC, which is aimed at promoting sport activities for adolescent girls."

On Friday evening, the secretary-general will attend the opening ceremonies of the 31st Olympic Games, he said.

On Thursday, Ban had the opportunity to spend some time with the Refugee Olympic Team. He saluted their work and determination and he told them that their courage was an inspiration for all, Haq added.

The 2016 Summer Olympics will kick off in Brazil on Friday evening and it will run through Aug. 21. Endit