The opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics began with a snowboarder flying through the Olympic rings. The Australian team wore black armbands in memory of a luger who died in a training accident. Various performances and displays involving dancers, performers, and giant projections took place during the ceremony to represent Canadian culture and history. The Canadian flag was carried into the stadium by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Singer K.D. Lang also performed during the ceremony, which concluded with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

1. VANCOUVER 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY

2. A snowboarder flies through the olympics rings at the start of the opening ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 12, 2010

4. The Australian team wore black armbands as a mark of respect in memory of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili who died on February 12, 2010 in a crash during a training run of the Luge event

5. The Canadian delegation is introduced during the opening ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Friday, Feb. 12, 2010

6. A giant bear lit with LED lights towers over performers during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

7. A dancer performs during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

8. Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police carry the Canadian flag into the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

9. Massive autumn leaves are projected onto the floor as performers entertain during the Opening Ceremony

10. A view of a performer playing the part of a Voyageur during the opening ceremonies at the BC Place for the XXI Winter Olympic Games February 12, 2010

11. A performer is suspended in the air during the opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010

12. Winter athletes are represented in a performance during the opening ceremony for the Vancouver Winter Olympics in Vancouver on February 12, 2010

14. K.D. Lang sings during the opening ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Friday, Feb. 12, 2010

15. A performer holds a candle during the opening ceremonies at the BC Place for the XXI Winter Olympic Games.

16. A performer dressed as a First Nations member walks into BC Place during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics on February 12, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada.

17. Welcome poles, representing each of the Four Host First Nations, are erected during the opening ceremonies at the BC Place for the XXI Winter Olympic Games February 12, 2010.

18. Rick Hansen carries the Olympic torch during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics at BC Place on February 12, 2010 in Vancouver

19. Speed skater Catriona Le May Doan takes part in lighting the Olympic flame on February 12, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada.

20. Steve Nash helps to light the Olympic flame on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010.

22. THE END Press ‘Esc’ To Exit