“From whatever continent you have come, we welcome you to Canada a country with a generous heart. We love that you are here. You are among good friends. Vous êtes parmis vos amis.”
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michäelle Jean, Governor General of Canada officially declared the XXI Olympic Winter Games open as she joined Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the chiefs of the Four Host First Nations, in watching the evening’s celebration.
“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. Thank you Canada for this great loyalty to the Olympic ideals,” said President Rogge. The ceremony concluded with five notable Canadian athletes, performing the final leg of the torch relay.
athletes, performing the final leg of the torch relay.