Slideshow: Olympics 2010 Opening Ceremony (photos and videos)

Slideshow: Olympics 2010 Opening Ceremony (photos and videos)

This is part 2 of a 2 part feature Click here for part 1

Another tribute to fallen athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili was held during the Olympic 2010 Opening Ceremony as Jacques Rogge and John Furlong dedicated the games in his memory and addressed the athletes. “May you carry his Olympic dream on your shoulders and compete with his spirit in your hearts." John Furlong spoke to the participants.

The official welcome was made by Jacques Rogge. He stated,

“From whatever country you are from, we welcome you as good friends and we aim to leave you all with breathtaking memories to last a lifetime. Let us be reminded the world is watching, hoping, cheering. If you listen, you can almost hear the voices. Over the 16 days to come our children will become to believe what is possible."

The Olympic flag was carried and the Olympic hymn was sung by Measha Brueggergosman. After the hymn and rising of the flag, the crowd remained standing as a moment of silence was held in memory of Nodar Kumaritashvili. After, the moment of silence, the Olympic torch was bought into the building by Rick Hansen. It was given to several people and rested with Wayne Gretzky.

The four torch bearers included Rick Hansen, Nancy Green, Katrina LeMay Doan and Wayne Gretzky. They lit the base as four giant ice crystals appeared from the floor and the Olympic flame was ignited. As the flame sped across its path, Wayne Gretzky lit another ice figure as the flames illuminated Vancouver and the Winter Olympics 2010 officially began.

A snowboarder flies off a jump through the Olympic rings during the opening ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Friday, Feb. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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