WRAP: Bush arrival, preparations, torch relay
(9 Feb 2002) APTN 1. Wide shot of Rice-Eccles Stadium 2. Torch lighting 3. Close up shot of Olympic flame 4. Wide shot of fireworks outside of stadium 5. People coming out of stadium 6. Olympic banner on stadium 7. SOUNDBITE: (English) David Beck, New Jersey resident "It was a dream come true....absolutely. We came from New Jersey, we came out yesterday, flew out." 8. Mid shot of flags flying in stadium 9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Nelson Archibald, Washington DC resident "It was terrific. It brought back memories of a united country and a united nation, and to see that flag tonight come in was really heart wrenching." 10. Close up shot of flame 11. Wide shot of stadium and flame POOL 12. US President George W Bush and wife Laura walking onto stage, Bush stepping up to the podium 13. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W Bush, US President "These games come at a perfect time for the country. In our time of sadness and determination and resolve, our Olympic athletes will represent the best of America. I can't wait for American's to see our flag fly. It is such a proud moment for all of us. This nation is steadfast and unified, and you the athletes are going to represent us with such class and dignity and courage. It's a chance for the world to see that in times of war we can come together in friendly competition to promote the peace." 14. Bush shaking hands with athletes APTN 15. Various of people walking toward stadium 16. UPSOUND (English) "Go America - USA" 17. Mid shot of people walking 18. UPSOUND: (English) "( Q Going to the opening ceremony?) Yes - we can hardly wait - from Montana." 19. Shot of people walking to stadium STORYLINE: The Winter Olympics have opened in Salt Lake City in the United States, with the occasion being used to pay tribute to the thousands who died on September 11. The opening ceremony on Friday saw U-S athletes accompanied by New York police and firefighters entering the Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium clutching the tattered flag recovered from the ashes of the World Trade Center. The Olympic flame arrived after a 21-thousand 600 kilometre (13-thousand-500-mile) torch relay through 46 states. The crowd braved blustery winds and temperatures as low as minus nine degrees Celsius (16 Fahrenheit) to attend the three-hour spectacular to kick off 17 days of competition. Speaking to the crowds at Salt Lake City, U-S President George W Bush said the games were an ideal opportunity for the world to see what is best about America, despite the nation's sadness following the terrorist attacks on September 11. Bush arrived earlier on Friday aboard Air Force One just as the Olympic torch relay was reaching the outskirts of Salt Lake City on its way to the Rice-Eccles Stadium. Thousands of spectators made their way towards the stadium to watch the gala celebration, with athletes' parading into the arena. Some 2-thousand-526 athletes will compete for 477 medals in 78 events - the largest contingent and programme for a Winter Games. The action starts on Saturday with competition in moguls, cross-country skiing, hockey, figure skating and speed skating. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: / ap_archive Facebook: / aparchives Instagram: / apnews You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
