XX WINTER OLYMPICS OPEN IN TORINO
The event, along with the closing ceremony, is reported to have cost Ј28.5m.
A television audience of up to two billion worldwide watched the ceremony, broadcasted by over 100 TV channels of the world. Azerbaijani TV channel ‘Leader’ was among the broadcasters.
Two athletes in figure skating represent Azerbaijan. This is the third Winter Olympics for Azerbaijani athletes after getting independence.
After the parade of about 2,500 athletes Italian president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi declared the Games open, while International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge urged the athletes to "inspire and motivate the future generations". Italian cross-country skier Stefania Belmondo, 36, lit the Olympic flame.
The ceremony, which also included a eulogy for peace by John Lennon's wife Yoko Ono, ended with a performance by Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti and spectacular firework display.
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