The Opening Ceremony is Wednesday , but the first Games are played Friday . Soccer is the first event , with American , British and other women in action . The Ministry of Defence is guarding the games with two warships , Typhoon jet fighters , Puma helicopters , and , perhaps most controversially , surface-to-air missiles placed on apartment buildings near the stadium , despite objections from residents . Forecasters say the weather should improve after a rain-soaked summer so far . Security issues have overshadowed preparations but authorities say safety will not be affected .
The Opening Ceremony is Wednesday , but the first Games are played Friday . Soccer is the first event , with American , British and other women in action . Forecasters say the weather should improve after a rain-soaked summer so far . Security issues have overshadowed preparations but authorities say safety will not be affected .