China hands off Olympic hosting duties to Italy

Photo by: International Olympic Committee
Photo by: International Olympic Committee

(Beijing) -- Work is officially underway for the next Winter Olympics.  

China handed off hosting duties to Italy Sunday night during the closing ceremony. The event began with children carrying snowflake lanterns to mark the 20th day of China's lunar year and Team USA joined others in walking around the stadium.  

The president of the International Olympic Committee closed out the Games with a speech complimenting the athletes' outstanding performances.

To see the final medal count for this year's games, click here.