Tragedy clouds Winter Olympics opening

Calcutta News.Net
Friday 12th February, 2010

The eyes of the world are on Vancouver, Canada as the opening ceremonies marking the start of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games get under way.

This is the 21st Winter Olympic Games, with festivities that include the traditional parade of nations. Some 5,000 men and women from more than 80 countries are competing in the games, hoping to win Olympic gold. The Olympic torch is also being carried into the stadium to light a cauldron signaling the start of the 17-day event.

The games will take place at several venues around Vancouver on Canada's western coast.

The games are beginning on a sad note, following the death of Georgian Luger (Sledder) Nodar Kumaritashvili during practice earlier Friday.

The 21-year-old was approaching the final turn on the twisting track when he crashed and was thrown from his sled, smashing his head against a metal pole. He was hurtling at nearly 145 kilometers per hour at the time.

Competitors have exceeded 145-kilometers per hour on the track, and several Olympians recently have questioned its safety.

The president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, said the accident affected the entire Olympic family. Despite the death of Kumaritashvili, Georgian officials say their country's athletes will stay and compete.

The closing ceremonies take place February 28.

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