International Olympic committee president Jacques Rogge pleaded that drugs scandals should not be allowed to overshadow the 20th Winter Olympics which opened in Turin last night.
Mr Rogge called on the athletes of the world to respect the spirit of fair play during a glittering opening ceremony at the Stadio Olimpico in the centre of the city.
Mr Rogge said: "Athletes, you are role models and your achievements both on and off the field of play will inspire and motivate the future generations.
"Please compete in a spirit of fair play, mutual understanding and respect, and above all please refuse doping.
"Our world today is in need of peace, tolerance and brotherhood and the values of the Olympic Games can deliver these to us.
"May the Games be held in peace and in the true spirit of the Olympic truce... Show us how sport unites by overcoming political, religious and language barriers and you will show us the world we all long for."
Ireland has four competitors. Two are downhill skiers - Thos Foley and Kirsty McGarry; one a cross-country endurance skier - Rory Morrish.
Ireland's fourth athlete, David Connolly from Co Wicklow, competes in the dangerous Skeleton event where competitors hurtle face-forward, head-first down a bobsleigh track on a sled which covers the chest, reaching speed of 60 mph.
Ireland's C hef de Missionin Turin, Clifton Wrottesley, narrowly missed out on a bronze medal at the Salt Lake City event in 2002.
McGarry carried the Irish flag at last night's ceremony watched by 35,000 at the Stadio Olimpico and a television audience of an estimated two billion.
Cross-country skier Stefania Belmondo from the host nation lit the flame to officially begin the games. Some 2,500 athletes from 84 countries are taking part.
Additional reporting Reuters