Welsh kick-off for Olympic football

Great Britain women's football team goal keeper Rachel Brown holds two balls during a soccer team training in Cardiff (AP)

The Olympics kick off in Wales today - two days before the official opening ceremony in London.

The Team GB women's football side take on New Zealand at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, marking the start of the 18-day sporting spectacular.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will join Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan in the Welsh capital for the first event of the 2012 Games.

Mrs Gillan said: "I am immensely proud that the world's greatest sporting event starts in Wales.

"Wales is playing a leading role in London 2012 - the medals and the athletes' numbers are all made in Wales as well as key elements of the Olympic Park itself.

"I want the whole country to take this opportunity to showcase everything that's great about Wales, and ensure a lasting legacy long after the Games are over."

Wales will be sending its largest ever contingent to the Olympic Games, with 30 athletes confirmed as Team GB members.

The GB captain is 400m hurdler Dai Greene, from Felinfoel in Carmarthenshire.

PA