As the Olympic delegations start to leave for Beijing, they're being sent on their way with best wishes from supporters at all levels.

In a leaving ceremony at his residence, German President Horst Kohler told members of the national Olympic and Paralympic teams on Saturday that the whole of Germany was supporting them.

German President Horst Koehler poses with a jacket of the German Olympic team for Beijing 2008 in Berlin July 26, 2008. REUTERS/Michael Dalder(GERMANY)

Horst Kohler, German President, said, "The whole of Germany is crossing their fingers so you can achieve what we want. We mustn't forget all the other people involved such as team members, trainers, clubs, friends and family."

German President Horst Koehler (C) poses with members of the German Olympic and Paralympic teams for Beijing 2008 in Berlin July 26, 2008.REUTERS/Michael Dalder(GERMANY)

 

Kathrin Boron said, "We athletes are looking forward to difficult weeks full of excitement, concentration and top sporting performances. We all have worked hard during the last weeks and now we would like to reap the rewards for all the many hours of training."

South Africa's Olympic delegation was treated to a feast on Saturday evening

South Africa's Olympic delegation was treated to a feast on Saturday evening. The chairman of the country's Olympic Committee Moss Mashishi announced the country's delegation is made up of 202 people. Among them, 137 are athletes who will compete in 20 sports. Mashishi said that he wouldn't predict the number of medals the team would win, because that would only add to the pressure.

South African Deputy President Mlambo-Nguka (CCTV.com)

South African Deputy President Mlambo-Nguka said that the country's delegation includes the very best sportsmen and women in the land and their successes will be shared by the whole country.

Mlambo-Nguka said, "The Olympic Games is a special occasion. I hope that our athletes will get very good results. I'm confident on that."

South Africa is one of the sporting powers in Africa. It's particularly strong in swimming and athletics.

(CCTV July 28, 2008)