THE Rio Olympics begin in earnest tonight with what will no doubt be a spectacular opening ceremony.

We wish all Team GB competitors, particularly the Gwent-based quartet of Becky James, Joe Cordina, Sam Cross and Elena Adams, the very best of luck in their quest for medals.

Meanwhile, there is a sporting start closer to home tomorrow as Newport County AFC kick off in League Two of the newly-renamed English Football League.

For the second season in succession, County start with a squad almost unrecognisable from last term as a host of players have been replaced.

County also begin their first full season under the ownership of their supporters when Mansfield Town are welcomed to Rodney Parade tomorrow.

Manager Warren Feeney – one of three men in the County hot seat last season – is a young boss learning his trade and there will be pressure on him to start well after his team ended 2015-16 with a run of 11 games without a win.

As always, we wish County every success as they embark on their fourth season back in the EFL.

This newspaper has reported on County for more than a century and we will be doing so again this season online and in print.