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Monday, 27 February 2006 |
2006 Winter Olympics closed by International Olympic Committee president
The International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has
officially closed the 2006 Winter Games and it finished with a carnival
and circus.
The festivities ended with a firework display at Turin's Stadio
Olympico and featured Ricky Martin and Andrea Bocelli among 2,350
performers who provided entertainment.
As the finale was reached, Jacques Rogge said: "I declare the 20th Winter Olympic Games closed.
"I call upon the youth of the world to assemble in four years in Vancouver."
The Games then officially closed with an eight-minute production by the Vancouver 2010 organisers.
Before the presentation, Jacques Rogge gave the Olympic flag to
Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan, a quadriplegic since he had broken his
neck whilst skiing at the age of 19. Sullivan used a specially-modified
electric wheelchair as he unfurled the flag.
"We want to send the message that our focus is on ability rather than
disability," explained John Furlong, chief executive of the Vancouver
Olympic organising committee, just before the ceremony.
Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and motorsport legend Mario Andretti also attended the event.
All of the athletes there were given red clown noses as they entered
the stadium so they could join in with the circus atmosphere, while the
crowd of 35,000 were given devil and angel masks.
The athletes all surged into the stadium in a big group, with each of
the countries that had taken part represented by a flag bearer such as
silver medallist Shelley Rudman on behalf of Great Britain.
Italy's Giorgio di Centa was awarded his gold for winning the 50km
cross-country race, which was the penultimate event of the Games, and
he got the most applause.
Giorgio di Centa was presented with his medal by sister Manuela, who is
a five-time Winter Olympian, two-time gold medallist and IOC member
herself.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 03 March 2006 )
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