(ATR) The 2010 Olympics are now closed, Canadian pop legend Neil Young crooning under the cauldron before it was extinguished during a raucous closing ceremony.
IOC President Jacques Rogge called the Vancouver Olympics “were excellent and very friendly Games”. Rogge made the comment in his closing ceremony speech.
“Thank you to the people of Canada, for your generous hospitality, your warmth, and this unique and joyous celebration of Olympism,” Rogge said.
VANOC CEO John Furlong cited the uniting influence of the Games.
“We have seen first hand there is indeed a beautiful force that can unite, inspire and liberate – a force that can replace despair with hope and ignite the human spirit. This force is sport in the arena of the Olympic Games.”
Both Furlong and Rogge paid homageto the people of Georgia and family of fallen luger Nodar Kumaritashvili.
“Your unimaginable grief is shared by every Canadian,” Furlong said.
“May the legacy of your favorite son Nodar Kumaritashvili never be forgotten”.
Furlong’s tributewas followed by a standing ovation.
Furlong said he hoped Canada is less mysterious than it may have been before the Games.
“Now you know us...eh?”
Neil Young sang his signature “Long May You Run” while the Olympic cauldron was extinguished.
He was followed by a litany of Canadian stars including actors William Shatner, Michael J. Fox and singers Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morisette.
The handover ceremony of the Olympic flag from Vancouver to Sochi included live connections between Vancouver, Sochi and Moscow. The flag will begin a sea journey aboard a Russian tall ship Monday that will carry the flag to the far east coast, from where the journey to Sochi will finish by air.
Written by Ed Hula III.
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