A popular sporting recreation which originated in favelas is kite-flying. Young and old residents have spent years perfecting the art of constructing kites and conducting competitions in the sky.

Rio de Janeiro is sunny and warm, naturally inviting to go out and practice sports - an invite the city extends worldwide to all who wish to play - Sporting events throughout the city are the ideal setting for Cariocas to combine their passion for sports with their predilection for socializing and the grandiose spectacle.

Today, Rio is one of the sporting capitals of the world - playing host to the lionesses of international sporting competition, as well as providing fertile ground for an endless stream of inclusive activities. Every year, the city hosts a number of sporting events, ranging in scale from local to international. I LOVE RIO looks into the activities surrounding both highly anticipated and small-scale local competitions, including public training sessions, preparatory races, and opportunities to get involved.