Dear Friends,
I am pleased to extend my warmest welcome to the site of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and, at the same time, express my absolute conviction that the important meetings the Association of National Olympic Committees and the International Olympic Committee will hold in this city will represent a valuable contribution towards the success of the Beijing Olympic Games and the future of our Movement.
The 205 National Olympic Committees shall meet in the beautiful capital city of the People´s Republic of China to analyze important and decisive issues that will define our actions in short to medium term. Among these issues, the following may be highlighted: participation of the NOCs in the upcoming Olympic Games, the First Youth Olympic Games, the role of the NOCs in the XXI Century; the fight against doping in sport, the autonomy of the Olympic and Sports Movement, the 2009 Olympic Congress and the progress in the organization of the “London 2012” Summer Olympic Games and the “Vancouver 2010” and “Sochi 2014” Winter Olympic Games, among other key issues.
I am certain the participation of each one of you in our meetings’ debates, will allow us to adopt the best decisions for the benefit of the efficient work the National Olympic Committees should develop, as well as to provide further support to our athletes and strengthen the leadership of ANOC within the Olympic Movement.
On behalf of all of us, I wish to extend to the Chinese Olympic Committee, the Organizing Committee of the Beijing Olympic Games and the authorities of the Chinese Government, our deepest gratitude and warmest congratulations for the excellent conditions provided for the best development of our meetings. I can assure you this valuable support, as well as the atmosphere of fraternity and peace, shall contribute towards the fulfillment of our objectives.
During the upcoming days of intense work, I invite you to give your best effort and contribute with your talent and experience to our search for the decisions that strengthen our unity and firm disposition to achieve new and further results.
Welcome to Beijing!
Please receive my best regards.
