On July 21, 2008, Chinese Ambassador to Denmark H.E. Mr. Xie Hangsheng and Mrs. Xie held a reception at the Embassy for the Danish Sports Delegation to the Beijing Olympic Games. In his speech Ambassador Xie wished the Beijing Olympic Games a successful one, and the Danish team good luck.

Mr. Niles Nygaard, President of DIF (Danish Sports Association, and the Danish Olympic Committee) spoke highly of China's economic and social developments, as well as its preparation work on the Beijing Olympic Games. "The Danish team is looking forward to competing in the Games, and I have no doubt the Bejing Olympics will be a great success," says Mr. Nygaard.

Also present at the reception were more than forty members of the Danish delegation as well as representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc.

The following is Ambassador Xie Hangsheng's address at the reception:

Mr.Niles Nygaard, President of NOC Denmark

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me as Chinese Ambassador to host this reception and warmly welcome the Danish Olympic Delegation to visit China and participate in the Beijing Olympics. Now, there are only 18 days to go before the 2008 Olympics start. The Danish Olympic Delegation will soon go to China. We wish you enjoy your stay in China and share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games.  We also wish the Danish Team performs really well and win more medals.

Denmark participated at the inaugural 1896 Games, and has sent athletes to compete in almost every Summer Olympic Games since then and has also participated in many Winter Olympic Games, including every Game since 1988, making great contributions to the development of Olympics. In this aspect, my country has a lot to learn from your experiences and aspirations.

On 13th July, 2001, Mr. Samaranch, the then President of the International Olympic Committee announced that Beijing was selected as the Host City for the 29th Olympic Games in 2008. At the news, the 1.3 billion Chinese people were thrown into a most heightened jubilation. This was also one of the most memorable moments in my life. Seven years have passed, the world has witnessed the biggest Olympic campaign taking place in China and Beijing is ready to embrace athletes and spectators from every part of the world.

The theme of the Beijing Olympic Games is "one world, one dream". It is the hope of the government and the people of China that through sports competition and increasing exchanges, Beijing Olympic Games would make its contributions to the promotion of understanding and friendship among the nations and peoples, and to the building of a harmonious world of durable peace and common development. That is why Chinese people maximize their passions and efforts in order to deliver a grand Olympics for the whole world. We warmly welcome your suggestions and recommendations for successfully organizing the Beijing Olympics. We are convinced that with the joint efforts from people around the world, including yours, Beijing Olympic Games will be an event with distinguished features, leaving a unique legacy for both China and world sport as a whole.

The multi-dimensional relations between China and Denmark are as good as never before. It goes without saying that in the field of sport, our two countries have a lot to share and learn from each other. I am very happy to see the Danish Olympic Committee has done an excellent work in preparing to participate in the Beijing Olympics. Let me welcome you by the most popular greeting in China today, "Beijing Huanyingni" or Beijing Welcomes you in English! I wish you a good time in China and come back with charming memory.

Ladies and gentlemen, May I propose a toast for the success of the Beijing Olympic Games, for the success of Danish Olympic Team and for an ever deepening friendship and cooperation between China and Denmark.

Thank you.