Georgia decides to compete in Olympics to honor Kumaritashvili
After speculation that they may drop out of the Olympics, the delegation from the Republic of Georgia decided to stay and compete in the Winter Games to honor their fallen teammate, Nodar Kumaritashvili, who was killed in a luge accident Friday.
Georgia Minister of Culture and Sport Nikolos Rurua says the Georgian team "decided to be loyal to the spirit of the Olympic Games." He says the athletes will "dedicate their performances to their fallen comrade."
Olympics organizers paid tribute to Kumaritashvili with a moment of silence before the Opening Ceremony. The Georgia team wore black armbands in honor of Kumaritashvili.
Other stories on Olympic tragedy:
• IOC should shut down sport after tragedy
• Olympic officials must put safety first
• Death is fifth ever at Winter Games
