Winter Olympics End

The Winter Olympics in Turin ended last night, in the theme of an Italian carnival.

A large set was constructed to replicate an Italian piazza.

The show included dancers, clowns, acrobats and gymnasts, confetti and pyrotechnics.

Italian tenor star Andrea Bocelli, Latin pop singer Ricky Martin and Canadian rock singer Avril Lavigne all made an appearance.

Valentino Castellani, president of Turin's Games organising committee, said that the Olympics was about building a culture of peace.

Quote:

"It has been a great celebration of sports. We learned that fair play and respect for your opponents are strong values of this fantastic event that we have lived together."

During the speech a man in a black T-shirt rushed to the microphone and shouted the motto of these Olympic games, "Passion Lives Here."

He was then bundled off by security.

International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, then said:

"Spread the Olympic dream in your countries. You are the true ambassadors of our values. And give back to sport what it has given you."

Closing:

"And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the 20th Olympic Winter Games closed and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in Vancouver to celebrate the 21st Olympic Winter Games."

Next stop, Beijing 2008.