As Rio OIympics begin, Brazilian Montrealers look on with mixed emotions

An estimated three billion people are expected to tune in for the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympicsin Rio de Janeiro on Friday night.

For Brazilians, itshould be a moment of pride.

But the country is facing criticism for pouring billions of dollarsinto preparations for the games, while failing toimprove the quality of life of the host city's poorest residents.

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The country is mired in recession, crime is on the rise, and budgets are strained.

Rio recently required a $900-million USbailout from Brazil'sfederal government in order to pay police,who hadn't seen a cheque in months.

The Olympic Games will cost $14.4 billion US money many say could have been better spent elsewhere.

"It's a little sad that we are going through a very hard time now," said Marcia Strobino, who moved to Montreal from Rio in April.

Strobino told CBC Montreal's Daybreakon Fridayshe isn't surprised by the current controversies surrounding the games.

She's been skeptical of the Olympics since they were announced.

"At first I felt that I was the only Brazilian that wasn't excited, that wasn't [celebrating]," she said.

Stella Furquim, a resident of Parc-Extensionwho moved from Brazil 16 years ago, says she was initially excited about the prospect of her home country taking the world stage. Now she's worried about the shakeup of an already tense situation in Brazil.

"Things have changed a little bit," she said.

"I cannot say that I'm not proud. I am proud. But I would like it to be a little different now. We cannot be happy now. Look at what we are facing."

Despite their concerns, both Furquim and Strobino say they will be watching the Olympics, including the opening ceremony on Friday.

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