Brazilian indigenous torch carriers prepare for their turn as the Olympic flame relay kicks off in Brasilia, Brazil, on May 3, 2016. [Photo/IC]

Torch bearer Gerard Moss, a Swiss-Brazilian aviator and environmentalist, said the Games could help to calm political tempers.

"What Brazil most needs now is unity, the very symbol of the Olympics," he said before his turn in the relay. "This is an opportunity to reduce tensions between our political parties and get on with the rebuilding our economy."

The Olympic torch was lit for the first time on April 21 in front of the Temple of Hera, located in the Greek city of Ancient Olympia, by the sun's reflection in a parabolic mirror, in keeping with traditional ritual.

It was flown inside a small lantern on a special flight from the Swiss city of Geneva to Brasilia.

The Olympic Games 2016 in Rio will take place from Aug 5 to 21 and the Paralympic Games will run from Sept 7 to 18.