As one international sporting event came to an end another began Sunday as the World Masters Indoor Athletic Championship 2010 got underway at the Tournament Capital Centre.

A crowd of several hundred people was still feeling the buzz of Canada's record setting performance in the 2010 Winter Olympics as they gave the Canadian athletes a roaring round of applause during the event's opening ceremony.

The Canadians were the last in a line of 1,400 athletes from 61 countries who paraded into the TCC. Each contingent was led by a school student carrying the country's name high on a placard.

“We're sorry about your hockey team,” emcee Hugh McLellan said as the U.S. team marched in. The crowd greeted them with a cheer.

Dignitaries throughout the night fired friendly shots at the U.S. athletes. Tk'emlups Indian Band Chief Shane Gottfriedson, who wore a Team Canada jersey, started early as he welcomed the world to Shuswap territory.

“What a good day it is today, is it not?” he said, referring to the Olympic win and start of the World Masters. “I hope each of you (athletes) has a good time.”

Mayor Peter Milobar spoke about the TCC, calling it a unique facility for a city the size of Kamloops. He said it was built to fulfill a community vision of sport and active living.

“You will be surprised at what a city the size of Kamloops can pull off,” he said. The World Masters is the first international event hosted at the TCC.

World Masters Association president Stan Perkins said this is the fourth indoor track and field championship. Each time, the number of countries from the southern hemisphere increases.

“I believe we will see more and more southern athletes come from countries with no indoor facilities and snow,” he said. “They will come for the competition, and for the friendship they can make with other athletes at one time from around the world.”

He thanked Kamloops and everyone involved in organizing the event for their courage in putting it on, said Perkins.

Prior to the ceremony: Australian athlete Ranell Hobson said the World Masters is the first time she has competed indoors.

She will run in the 60-metre and 200-metre races and compete in the long jump. A saving grace is she's been practicing through the Australian summer and is used to the warm indoor temperatures, said Hobson.

“I think it will be interesting,” she said.

Jouko Nikula of Finland said this is his third World Masters and Kamloops has captured the energy and excitement of previous events.

He expects to have a good time and is enjoying his first visit to Canada,” said Nikula.

Kamloops North-Thompson MLA Terry Lake and MP Cathy McLeod also attended the ceremony. The event included a performance of A Meeting of the Waters, which depicts the history of the city through dance and music.