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The Georgian flag flies over the venue where Georgian luge competitor Nodar Kumaritashvili died after crashing - Source: Reuters -
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The Georgian team will stay and compete in the Vancouver Winter Olympics following the death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili in a training crash on Saturday, the Minister for Sport and Culture said.
Nicolos Rurua told a news conference in Vancouver the Georgian team would participate in the Games as a mark of respect for their 'fallen comrade'.
The 21-year-old was thrown off the sled as it bounced over the rim of the track at the Whistler Sliding Centre at around 90mph and slammed into a pole by the side of the course.
Rurua said despite the team's state of shock, the athletes and coaches had decided to remain at the Games in memory of the dead luger.
"Our sportsmen and our athletes decided to be loyal to the spirit of the Olympic Games and will compete and dedicate their performances to their fallen comrade," he said.
The team would be marching at the opening ceremony later on Saturday wearing black armbands and a black stripe would mark the athlete's death on their flag.
Rurua also demanded a thorough investigation into the crash and the track that had been described by many lugers, even prior to the crash, as extremely fast and dangerous.
"That particular venue has been shut down and an investigation is under way," Rurua, in tears, told reporters. "I hope that the promise we had from officials for (a thorough investigation) will be carried through."
He countered speculation the athlete was not experienced enough, saying he was raised at the traditional winter sports resort of Bakuriani and had considerable experience in luge.
"Speculation about his experience seems unfair and misleading. He was 44th in the world ranking. During training yesterday he took 11th spot," he said.
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