The Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary was host to a horde of fans all eager to watch the opening ceremony of the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
From February 7 to 21, the Oval will host a Sochi Lounge in Room 54 at Ice Level, offering coverage of events on television.
Special highlights will be given to short and long-track speed skating as well as athletes from the Canadian Sport Institute.
Broadcasts run daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., excluding weekends.
Robyn Ainsworth, who was just 12 at those Games, lit the torch at Canada Olympic Park on Thursday with a member of Canada’s Olympic team heading to Sochi, ski jumper Alex Pretorius.
The 2014 Sochi Games Opening Ceremony began with the Parade of Nations, where Canada’s 221 athletes will take part, led by Canadian women’s hockey veteran Hayley Wickenheiser.
Canada’s men’s team won’t be there; they’ll arrive in Sochi on Monday.
The flame at Olympic Park will stay lit for the duration of the Games and visitors can watch Sochi coverage on big screens throughout the complex.
There are also a number of viewing parties on in Calgary.
One party at Flames Central will help raise money for Canada’s Olympic Team.
Doors open at 8 a.m. and attendees will be treated to a breakfast, fundraiser, and screening of the Opening Ceremony on a 40 foot screen,
Admission is a $20 donation at the door and includes a full breakfast buffet and door prizes.
Organizers say there will also be a silent auction and raffle.
Prizes include:
- A signed Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton Olympic helmet
- A bobsleigh run at COP with Team Canada Olympians
- Stampede prize packages
All money raised will help fund Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton athletes.
