Five things to watch out for in Vancouver's Closing Ceremony
The 2010 Winter Olympics end Sunday evening with the Closing Ceremony at Vancouver's BC Place. Here are five things to look out for:
1. Chile's lone representative. In the immediate aftermath of the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday, there were reports that the nation's Olympic delegation would return home immediately. But skier Noelle Barahona couldn't get a flight. After speaking with her family and friends to ensure that they were safe, she decided to remain in the Olympic Village and will be the nation's lone representative at the Closing Ceremony.
2. Canadian flag bearer. The Canadian delegation will be led by short-track speedskater Charles Hamelin. The 25-year-old won two gold medals in Vancouver. There had been rumors that Joannie Rochette, the bronze-medal-winning figure skater who lost her mom at the beginning of the Olympics, would carry Canada's flag at the Closing Ceremony. It would have been another touching moment involving Rochette, who became one of those unexpected, only-in-the-Olympics type stars over the past week.
3. Performers. Canadian bands Nickelback (you remember them; they're the ones who have all those awful songs) and teen heartthrob Justin Beiber are rumored to be performing at tonight's Ceremony. That should make this little girl very happy.
4. Poking fun? VANOC head John Furlong said the Closing Ceremony will "poke a bit of fun at ourselves." He added, "it will be Canada's way of saying goodbye and thank you. You will probably come away from the ceremonies knowing a bit more about us than you did if you're not from Canada." Expect more Canadian myths and involvement from aboriginal tribes but not any additional content for French-speaking Canadians. There was some criticism that the Opening Ceremony ignored French content. But the plan for the Closing Ceremony was set long ago and no changes have been made.
5. What will Sochi do? The traditional handover ceremony between the current host city and the next host city will take place in an eight-minute segment near the end of the Closing Ceremony. Russia is expected to bring 150 sports stars, children, dancing stars and a supermodel to the handover. The highlight will be the handover of the Olympic flag between mayors of the two Olympic cities. Live images from Sochi and Moscow will be transmitted into BC Place, a literal representation of "Vancouver meets Russia."
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