At this very moment, I am watching the parade of nations at the start of the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

I’ve written already about how I’m a sucker for pageantry.

The Olympics’ opening ceremony always fills me with pride.

Sure enough, I enjoyed watching the Americans march into the stadium. I always enjoy the Greek Olympic team lead the parade per the custom, given that the Olympics originated in Greece in 776 B.C.; it also fills me with pride in my own Greek heritage to see them lead the thousands of other athletes onto the stadium floor.

The Rio games have been beset with questions, trouble and the potential for disaster. The world’s sincere hope is that the Brazilians conduct an Olympics that will make them proud.

Given that this is the first Olympics ever held in South America, I’m betting the Brazilians are up to the task.

I’m also an unfettered idealist. I always hope — and occasionally expect — the best. The Rio Olympic planners have everything in the world at stake here. The images I’ve seen of the host city are spectacular in the extreme. Then again, all host cities make sure they show off their best when the world comes calling.

Worries about Zika, terrorism, contaminated water and filthy streets all are legitimate concerns for the Brazilians.

I am aware that the Olympic spirit alone won’t protect the competitors from harm. A good bit prayer and good karma, though, well might do the trick.

I’ll be sending them all plenty of both for the next two weeks.