As parties were thrown to welcome the Olympic torch in the cities of Várzea Grande and Cuiabá, torchbearers and crowds in Mato Grosso got into the Olympic Day spirit, which was celebrated across the globe this Thursday (23 June).

Lucas Prado won three golds at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics in the 100, 200 and 400m. At London 2012, despite being injured, he won two silver medals. For Rio 2016 the expectation is to go higher and this Thursday (23 June) he carried the torch.

Emily Leite was the first person in the state of Mato Grosso to earn a black belt in karate. "I want to compete in the Olympic Games and become an MMA competitor," said the 14-year-old, who also does kickboxing.

These kids from the Manuel João de Arruda municipal school made colourful pompons to greet the Olympic flame to their town.