Singapore on Thursday night presented a flag to its national Olympic delegation, and the well-known table tennis player Li Jiawei will be the city state's flag-bearer at the Beijing Olympic Games next month.
Speaking at the flag presentation ceremony, the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) President Teo Chee Hean urged athletes to do their best to bring a medal for the country.
"By doing your best in Beijing, you will be the cause for joyous celebrations and it will also be the best present and reward for all Singaporeans for their support all these years," he said, adding that "Our aspiration remains to win a medal at the highest level, the Olympic Games."
Singapore is sending a 31-strong contingent to the Beijing Olympics, including six disabled athletes for the Paralympics.
This is the country's largest contingent to the Olympics in 52 years, and the best prepared.
"These athletes can now approach the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games with confidence and optimism to challenge for medals, knowing that they have received the best training and preparation for the Games," said Teo, who is also Singapore's defense minister.
The athletes of Singapore will compete in six sports, namely swimming, sailing, badminton, table tennis, shooting and athletics.
(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2008)