The 2010 Vancouver Game’s kicked off last night at BC Place with a spectacular opening ceremony. We put on a show that already has the world talking. Sure there was a small delay when one of the four pillars of the cauldron didn’t rise, but hey, we got the job done in style!
Directed by David Atkins, the ceremony was an action packed display of Canadian culture, diversity and talent.
Photo: Sue & Marty
A few memorable moments included – performances by K.D. Lang, the lighting of the cauldron and of course, the final countdown which saw Canadian snowboarder Johnny Lyall landing a 40 foot jump to welcome the crowd.
And as for the worst kept secret, the final torchbearer was no surprise: The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. It was inspiring to see him ride on the back of an SUV through the streets of downtown as the fans ran alongside… only in Canada! (And was it me or for the first time did Wayne look nervous?)
View a fantastic gallery of the Opening Ceremony
What did you think of the final ceremonies? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Rishad Daroowala is a passionate Vancouver local who shares an inside look at the Pan Pacific hotel and Vancouver area. 
I loved kd Lang singing Leonard Cohen’s beautiful song, Halleluiah …. she had the 60,000 people, and countless others watching around the world, in the palm of her hand. Breathtaking.