President sends best wishes to Olympians

MESSAGES OF SUPPORT:PRESIDENT MARY McAleese sent "warmest greetings" to Irish athletes as the Beijing Olympic Games opened yesterday.

"The years of training, sacrifice and competition, all relentlessly focused on this moment, have earned you this ticket to compete in the most prestigious sporting competition in the world," Mrs McAleese said in a statement.

"As you step out into the arena, we, your families and supporters back home, will be following your progress intently, spurring you on, sharing your achievements with pride and admiration as you reap the rewards of your dedication to this dream.

"Good luck to all - participants, coaches, and managers. May you perform to your very utmost potential over the coming Games."

Taoiseach Brian Cowen congratulated the Irish Olympians on their personal achievements in qualifying.

"Competing for Ireland at the Olympics is an achievement of great distinction. It takes years of hard work and dedication just to participate in the Games," he said in a statement.

"Ireland has a distinguished history of Olympic participation and notable successes, which stand out in the collective memory of the Irish people.

"The challenges for our athletes in the weeks ahead cannot be underestimated but I know they will rise to meet them."