RUSHING THE BOATS OUT

In Seine ceremony as 10,000 board flotilla

- JEREMY CROSS

LET the Games begin. A sporting spectacle like no other on the planet.

A magical fortnight of Parisian pleasure guaranteeing mayhem and medals in the French capital and beyond.

It is the first time in 100 years that this city has hosted the summer Games, with the majority of events taking place in or around its most iconic areas and landmarks.

These include the Stade de France, Roland Garros, the Grand Palais and the Place de la Concorde.

Around 10,500 athletes from more than 200 countries will compete in 32 sports and 329 events, hoping to get their hands on something bronze, silver or gold.

And it all kicked off in spectacular fashion last night with an opening ceremony of epic proportions.

Despite the rain, a flotilla with up to 10,000 competitors sailed down a 6km stretch of the River Seine through the heart of Paris.

The world watched on in awe, along with 300,000 drenched spectators and an audience of VIPs and celebrities.

The stunning spectacle began at Austerlitz Bridge and finished in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower at Trocadero.