The Portuguese delegation went to the Beijing Winter Olympics

Lisbon, 1 Feb (Xinhua) -- On 31 January, the Portuguese Olympic Committee held an exodus ceremony for the members of its delegation to the Beijing Winter Olympics at its headquarters in Lisbon.

In his speech, Zhao Bentang, Chinese Ambassador to Portugal, said that the largest delegation sent by the Portuguese side so far fully reflects the great importance and support that the Portuguese side attaches to and supports the Current Winter Olympic Games, and expresses its heartfelt thanks and warm welcome to the Portuguese Government and the Portuguese Olympic Committee. The Portuguese delegation chose February 1, the first day of the Chinese New Year, to depart for Beijing to wish them the realization of their Winter Olympic dreams and goals in Beijing.

Pedro Faromba, head of the Portuguese Winter Olympic delegation, said that Beijing is the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, and he had the privilege of spending several months in China during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, which is a wonderful memory that allows him to personally feel the charm of Chinese culture and the passion generated by the fusion of different cultures and freedom of thought in the world.

Rebello, Secretary of State for Youth and Sports Affairs of Portugal, said that after 14 years, the Olympic Games have returned to Beijing again, and he wished the Beijing Winter Olympics a complete success. He believes that every player will be proud to be able to participate in the world's largest sporting event, which will inspire a deep desire to transcend themselves and limits.

The Portuguese delegation to the Beijing Winter Olympics consists of nine athletes, including three athletes, Ricardo Blancar and Vanina Oliveira will compete in alpine skiing and José Cabese will compete in cross-country skiing.