Image: National Stadium Fireworks (Gettys Images)

It is predicted to be one of the best Olympics ever and it’s now under way, with the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics commencing at around 8pm local time.

Setting the sky alight with a fireworks spectacular, an estimated audience of billions are tuning in from around the world to watch the sixteen day sporting extravaganza begin.

At the time of publishing, athletes are currently making their way into the National Stadium where International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge will shortly declare the games open.

Thousands of performers have so far taken stage in a variety of visual spectacles.

Image: Kung Fu performance duing Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony (Getty Images)

Seven gold medals are up for grabs in the first day of action in five different sports; cycling, fencing, judo, shooting and weightlifting.

For all of GenQ’s coverage from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, click on the ‘beijing olympics’ tag below.

Tags: beijing olympics, sport