A day that started with tragedy
ended with celebration in
Vancouver Friday, despite the
training run death of Georgian
luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili.
The Vancouver Olympics Opening
Ceremonies were launched Friday
night in BC Place Stadium.
The festive mood contrasted
sharply with the grief that
befell the games earlier in the
day when Kumaritashvili died
in a horrific crash on the
sliding track at Whistler.
The Canadian team is scheduled
to be the last contingent in
the Parade of Nations at
Friday's ceremony, marching
behind flag bearer, Clara
Hughes, the defending gold
medalist in the 5,000
meter speed skating race.
[INAUDIBLE], the Associated
Press, Vancouver,
British Columbia.