The opening ceremonies for the 19th Winter Olympics are underway in Salt Lake City ( in the western U.S. state of) Utah, five months after the terrorist attacks against the United States.

A 16-thousand member security force, including local police, federal agents and snipers, are patrolling the ground and the skies as the ceremonies take place inside the Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium. President Bush is among those attending.

A group of U.S. athletes along with New York police and firefighters are carrying a tattered flag recovered from the rubble of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the September 11th attacks.

On his way to Utah, President Bush said the Olympics give the world a chance to celebrate peace and cooperation as the U.S. led war against terrorism continues.

U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan will also attend the opening ceremonies, which culminate in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

The first competition of the Winter Games -- ski jump qualifying -- was scheduled for Friday but was postponed until Sunday because of high winds and blowing snow.

Events in moguls, cross-country skiing, hockey, figure skating and speedskating are scheduled for Saturday. In all, more than 25-hundred athletes from about 80 countries are taking part, including one sole representative from Thailand, in men's cross-country skiing.

Meanwhile, several athletes already have been barred from competing in the games after testing positive for banned substances. The 2002 Winter Olympic Games close on February 24th.

(ap, monitored)

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