Dominican Flag Given to Olympic Team to Travel to China Games

President Leonel Fernánez gave the national flag to the Dominican Olympic Committee which will travel soon to the games in China. Members of the Committee include Luisín Mejía, president; Juan Vila, Chief of Mission; Sports Minister Felipe (Jay) Payano; Dr. Milton Pinedo, Chief Physician and José Manuel Ramos, Deputy Mission Chief. President Leonel Fernández wished success to the Dominican athletes and delegation traveling to Beijing for the Olympics.   

The president said these games represent a great challenge because of the quality of athletes competing from other countries in the various sporting events.

The Dominican delegation will leave Saturday for Japan where they will spend 15 days before going to Beijing for the opening of the Olympic Games.

President Fernánez, meeting in the Ambassadors Hall of the National Palace, said that despite some of the problems, the Olympic Games in Beijing have generated enthusiasm on a world scale. He said he felt proud and honored by the participation of the Dominican athletes who will compete in nine events.

The president said these games represent a great challenge because of the quality of athletes competing from other countries in the various sporting events.  

The Dominican delegation is made up of a total of 55 people, of which 25 are competing athletes and the remainder delegates and trainers. The DR will compete in running, judo, boxing, sailing and swimming, among other things.

Dominican Olympic Committee (COD) president Luisin Mejía thanked President Fernández and stressed that the Dominican athletes have very real possibilities of winning medals in Beijing. Sports Minister Felipe (Jay) Payano called this year´s participation in the Olympics historical. He noted that the effort and support from President Fernández to develop sports in the DR has been crucial.