It’s not often someone gets a standing ovation before the event they’re running.

But that’s exactly what happened here in Vancouver as John Furlong, CEO of the 2010 Organizing Committee, got up to speak at the Opening Ceremony of 122nd IOC Session.

As one of the architects of Vancouver’s bid win, back in 2003, he’s spent a decade dreaming of this week - the week the world arrives and the years of planning become days and nights of spectacular sport, and much more.

On the basis of the Session Opening Ceremony, at the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the next few weeks should be an eclectic and entertaining mix of old and new, of local and international, and of culture and sport.

Highlights included a ukele orchestra playing What a Wonderful World, an energetic local rock band and some beautiful singing from an all-woman vocal group. If that all sounds a bit vague on details, that’s because my only criticism would be that the programme didn’t tell you who anyone was!

A small quibble in the grand scheme of things. The city looks great. Its people couldn’t be more welcoming. And now the countdown to the first event, on Saturday, is underway…

Good job, John Furlong and all those thousands of people who have made Vancouver’s dream such a wonderful reality.