RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's interim president Michel Temer lit the Paralympic torch on Thursday as the final countdown to the Paralympic Games began in Rio de Janeiro.
At a ceremony in the capital Brasilia, Temer was presented with the flame, before lighting a torch held by Brazilian sprinter Yohannson Nascimento.
He praised the Paralympic spirit, saying Brazilians could identify with its underlying message.
"Throughout the country's history Brazil has been able to overcome its challenges, just like the Paralympians have done," Temer said.
The torch relay will begin on Thursday, (Sept. 1) passing through each of Brazil's five regions before arriving at the Maracana stadium for the opening ceremony on Sept. 7.
Temer said he would be present at the ceremony, adding that Rio was guaranteed to be a successful host.
"We showed during the Olympics that we know how to organize big events," Temer said. "People from all over the world doffed their hats to us after the Olympics and the same will be the case for the Paralympics."