Memory of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili in City of Gospic
In mountainous region of Croatia from the town square of City of Gospic at exactly noon today, over 1500 residents along with a number of students from various local school and daycares, gathered to form the shape of ILANNAQ, the logo of the Olympic games in Vancouver and next to it built a 10 meter high snowman. Also, they formed a cross out of sleighs in memory of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili.
Through this message, we are asking Vancouver and Canadian media to publish this special photo from the City of Gospic as our small contribution to the Olympic games and this way connect Gospic, Croatia and Vancouver, Canada. Sincerely, Milan Kolic
Mayor of City of Gospic
After seeing one of his countrymen die, Georgia’s minister of sport Nicolos Rurua wants a full investigation before any luge events take place at the Whistler Sliding Centre here at the 2010 Olympic Games.
Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died after a high speed crash that saw him fly off the track and smash into a metal girder. He was 21. He is believed to be the sixth athlete to die in training or competition at a Olympic event.
The Olympic luger was honored with prayers and candles at a memorial service Monday, his body beginning the long journey home to his devastated village in Georgia.
Grieving teammates and officials, as well as international and Vancouver organizers, attended the brief private service for Nodar Kumaritashvili at a Vancouver funeral home.
