Flame burns bright in rain

GUIYANG: Yesterday's downpours here did nothing to dampen enthusiasm for the Olympic torch relay.

More than 10,000 people from 50 ethnic groups dressed in raincoats and stood under umbrellas at People's Square in the heart of the city to watch the opening ceremony. They waved the flags of China and the Olympics and shouted: "Gear up China! Gear up Olympics! Gear up Wenchuan!"

But they all went quiet when it was announced there was to be a minute's silence for the victims of the quake. The only sound was the noise of the rain.