Ethiopia bids Official farewell to Olympic team

August 4th, 2008 | EthioPolitics.com |

APA - Ethiopia on Monday bade farewell to its Olympic team before it takes off Wednesday for Beijing to participate in the games scheduled to open this week.

The farewell ceremony was held at the Ethiopian national palace with the Ethiopian president Girma Wolde Giorgise, handing over the national flag to the team leader Haile Gebresilassie.

He encouraged them to do their best and bring home plenty gold medals.

“Representing Ethiopia in the Olympic is a major task and responcibility.Your country is proud of you and expects a lot from your participation,” president Girma said.

The first Ethiopian team to Beijing also includes some government officials, coaches from each sport fields and group leaders.

Around 30 athletes will participate in eight athletics including boxing.

205 countries are expected to attend the Beijing Olympic which is the 29th since inception 1886 and held every four years.