Hockey player Alexei Morozov will lead the Russian Olympic team into Vancouver's BC Place Stadium on February 12 as the national flag bearer. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin addressed the Russian national team ahead of the Olympics and the Russia House was opened in the XXI Olympics capital.
FLAG IN HANDS
President of the National Olympic Committee Leonid Tyagachov confirmed that the Russian flag bearer would be Russian national ice hockey team captain Alexei Morozov.
"Today the council of coaches decided to name Morozov, one of our best hockey players, our flag bearer," he told journalists in Vancouver.
Morozov led the Russian national team in 2008 and 2009 World Championship finals, when Russia captured both titles playing against Canada. Many hockey fans and experts hope that the teams will meet again in the final of the 2010 Olympics. In 2006, Dmitry Dorofeyev, a speed skater, served as flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies in Torino.
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Ahead of the Olympic Games, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin addressed the Russian athletes during a video linkup between Vancouver and Sochi.
"All of us are waiting impatiently for starts and results you will achieve. We realize in what psychological condition you are, we are sure you will cope with all your emotional difficulties, overcome everything and achieve a great success," the prime minister said.
A PIECE OF RUSSIA
A lavish ceremony was held during the opening of the Russia House in the XXI Olympic Games capital on Thursday. Russian deputy prime ministers Alexander Zhukov and Dmitry Kozak gave a symbolic start of its work by simultaneously striking pucks across the ice.
Russia House is expected to become the main platform for promoting Sochi as the next capital and host for Winter Olympics in 2014.
ALL FOR SPORT
Vancouver commuters are expecting to experience certain difficulties while traveling through the city during the Olympic Games. Priority is given to Olympic transportation for which the special "Olympic lanes" are allocated. The Games' guests are able to use public transportation for free.
Some of the streets will be closed for other types of transportation and parking near to some Olympic facilities will be banned.
THE WORLD HOLDS ITS BREATH
Under unstable and spring-like weather in Vancouver, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony will become the central event of the first day of the Games.
The festive and colorful event will be held on February 12 at the BC Place stadium, in Vancouver, the final point of the Olympic torch relay. The stadium's capacity can hold some 55,000 people.
Canadian music star Bryan Adams will be accompanied by native Indian drummers and singers and singer Sarah McLachlan are expected to perform at the opening.
The ceremony will highlight Canada's history and culture. Among other events and exhibits, the ceremony will feature the lighting of the Olympic Flame.
MOSCOW, February 12 (RIA Novosti)
