They were present at an event organised by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to welcome the start of the Vancouver Olympics, which officially opened last night.

He invited Londoners and visitors to watch highlights of the opening ceremony of the Games on a giant outdoor screen provided by the worldwide Olympic Games partner Panasonic and try their hands at a range of "virtual" winter sports in the iconic square.
 
Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: "I’m out in Vancouver at the moment and the atmosphere here is just fantastic - the whole city is buzzing with excitement. I’m looking forward to following all of Team GB athletes over the next couple of weeks and know that they will be an inspiration to us all."
 
Staff said: "I’m really looking forward to the Vancouver 2010 Games and it’s been great to watch it kick off on the big screens.

"I’m a huge fan of winter sports so it’ll be great watching the Team GB athletes compete over the next two weeks; I know they’ll do us all proud."



Sayers said: "It’s always a great atmosphere when you get together with other people to cheer on your home team.

"It’s very exciting to think that in just over two years, the Games will be coming to London and the same people will be cheering me on to achieve my dream of winning an Olympic medal.”
 
Live Sites around the UK will also be showing highlights and live action during the Vancouver Games, alongside special messages of support for the British athletes.