Today, February 13, the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games were declared open.

“I declare open the Games of Vancouver, celebrating the 21st Winter Olympic Games,” Canadian governor general Michaelle Jean said.

Rick Hansen, Canada’s Man in Motion, passed off the flame to Catriona LeMay Doan (multiple Olympic gold medallist in speed skating) who, along with Steve Nash (Olympian and National Basketball Association MVP), Nancy Greene Raine (Olympic gold medallist in alpine skiing) and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky lit the flame, the Olympics official website reads.

About 2,500 athletes from 82 countries participate in the games, vying for medals in 86 events, AP reports.

A minute of silence was held at the opening ceremony and the flags were lowered to half-mast during the Opening Ceremony out of respect for Georgian luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili, who died in a tragic accident this Friday. The Georgian National Olympic Committee and its athletes wore black armbands and a black mark was placed on the Georgian flag.

Kumaritashvili, 21, was fatally injured during the final training session in the last corner of the track at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

A.G.