Highlights of the opening ceremony from Vancouver's 60,000-seat BC Place Stadium as the 21st Winter Olympics gets under way in spectacular style.

With 2,500 athletes from more than 80 nations expected to take part in these Games over the next 17 days, Canada is promising to put on a magnificent show.

As always, the event culminates in the lighting of the Olympic flame - 12,000 torchbearers have helped carry the Olympic torch from Athens to Vancouver over the past four months.

With commentary from Hazel Irvine, Robin Cousins and Kerrin Lee-Gartner. Show less