The 2010 Winter Olympics have opened but the ceremony was overshadowed by the death of 21-year-old Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili.
The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games were declared open on Friday by Canadian governor general Michaelle Jean.
The ceremony was held undercover for the first time. The Olympic flame was jointly lit by four Canadian sports heroes - all-time hockey great Wayne Gretzky, skier Nancy Greene, speed skater Katrina LeMay Doan, and basketball All-Star Steve Nash.
"I declare open the Games of Vancouver, celebrating the 21st Winter Olympic Games," said Jean
More than 60,000 spectators witnessed 2,500 athletes from 82 nations parade - including debutants Cayman Islands, Colombia, Ghana, Pakistan and Peru.
In his opening address, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge paid tribute to Canadians and urged all athletes to be aware of their responsibility as role models.
"Here we are back in Canada for the third time in the history of the Olympic Games. After Montreal and Calgary, it is now the turn of the West Coast of this wonderful sports loving nation to host the world's athletes," said Rogge.
"Thank you Canada for this great loyalty to the Olympic ideals.
"Dear athletes, these Games belong to you ... so give them the magic that we all desire through your performances and your conduct.
"Remember that you are role models for the youth of the world. There is no glory without responsibility."
The Games will see some 2,500 athletes from 82 nations compete from February 12-28.
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