Sports fans praise Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony's green and environmental message

The Rio 2016 Olympics kicked off last night. The Opening Ceremony was a simple one that boasted an earnest message as well as a party vibe - and it was greeted with enthusiasm on social media...

Sports fans praised the Opening Ceremony's green and environmental theme:

https://twitter.com/ErikSolheim/status/761789692790632448
https://twitter.com/gabeharmonizer/status/761714364776931329
https://twitter.com/oohgaryc/status/761793080093794305

Though some were quick to point out that Rio's road to the Olypmics could have been greener...

https://twitter.com/RainforestTrust/status/761730768804712448

Meanwhile viewers were also touched by the introduction of the first ever refugee Olympic team:

https://twitter.com/Mownana/status/761741744174080000
https://twitter.com/bfbooks96/status/761747148937519104
https://twitter.com/jenandapen/status/761771132248662016

But it wasn't all serious. The Olympic Ceremony also showcased Rio's carnival heritage:

https://twitter.com/TeamGB/status/761755460881911808
https://twitter.com/SatishKTM/status/761822752353480704

There was dancing and music galore:

https://twitter.com/boogdogeLAy/status/761772721600507904
https://twitter.com/sportycarrie/status/761708482626215936
https://twitter.com/SoullessGlass/status/761783052053975040

Supermodel Gisele walked a super-sized catwalk...

https://twitter.com/hautegisele/status/761771522717548544

All in all, social media was impressed by the show Rio put on:

https://twitter.com/RayHudson/status/761771291841929216

Already blown away by #OlympicCeremony And this is on a limited budget?! Brill.

— Kathy Rose O'Brien (@kathyroseobrien) August 5, 2016

Some were momentarily distracted by Tonga's topless flag bearer...

Fun fact: #Tonga uses over 90% of the world's oil to keep their flag bearers at maximum glisten. #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/pPgyAdgavW

— Benjamin Siemon (@BenjaminJS) 6 August 2016

https://twitter.com/Lindsey651/status/761782321989185536

Where is #Tonga and how do I get there #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/UlEDGX8X8q

— Brandi (@BlondieInTX) 6 August 2016

But Olympic spirit was officially out in force:

https://twitter.com/DavidFertello/status/761824127724294144

Of course for the UK, it was a long night...