A splendid spectacle of a dazzling array of fireworks brought down the curtains for the Vancouver Olympics on last Sunday. The closing ceremony of the Vancouver Olympics 2010 became a celebration of Canada glorifying its athletic and cultural triumphs.
Commemorating the technical hitch that delayed the lighting of the indoor cauldron at the inaugural ceremony, a mime went through the motions of pulling the fourth arm of the massive cauldron from the floor of 60000-seat BC Place stadium. Former speedskating champion Catriona Le May Doan, finally lit the fourth arm with the Olympic torch. Probably whole of Vancouver echoed with the cheers celebrating the home-country’s new record of winning maximum gold medals (numbering 14) in the winter Games. Athletes gathered from all across the globe waving flags of their respective countries amid much merry-making. The 24 year old bronze medal winner, skater Joannie Rochette of Île-Dupas became Canada’s flag-bearer for the closing event.
John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver organizing committee (VANOC), honored all the athletes and volunteers that made the Vancouver Games happen.
The closing ceremony saw Canada’s star powers taking the centre stage. Canadian-American actress and comedienne, Catherine O’Hara quipped, “I’m sorry you thought Canada was one great big frozen tundra.” While actor Michael J. Fox said despite living in USA for three decades he would still root for his homecountry, Canada during hockey match.
Singer Michael Buble donned in a Mountie gear crooned a patriotic, tongue-in-cheek tune playing off Canadian clichés. Following the performances of Nickelback, Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan, a touching rendition of Wunderkind by Alanis Morissette wowed the athletes who hugged each other and waved their flags.
Rogge officially closed the Vancouver Games before Canadian singing legend Neil Young delighted the crowd with a moving rendition of Long May You Run.
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