Urges competitors to do their best.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhornon on 28 Jul 08, urged the Olympic athletes to give their all to show to the world that Thais are capable of competing at this level.
The athletes and officials were granted an audience with the Princess at Chitralada Palace's Dusidalai Pavilion.
The Princess told the delegation, led by Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kohsurat, that the Olympics was the greatest sporting event in the world.
Although some in the 2008 Olympic delegation have attended the Games on several occasions, they receive new experience every time, Her Royal Highness said.
"You should use this occasion to show to Thais and foreigners how capable Thai athletes are," said the Princess.
"You should carry out your duty to the best of your ability. Winning or losing is not important. I hope you meet what you want to meet and avoid what you want to avoid."
The Princess gave 200 Luang Poo Thuad amulets to Weerasak for him to hand them to the delegation to help boost their morale and give them confidence.
Her Royal Highness will attend the Beijing Games' opening ceremony on August 8 and will watch Premsiri Bunpithak and Pensiri Laosirikul compete in weightlifting the next day.
The Princess conversed with the athletes and officials particularly Athens Games weighlifting champion Pawina Thongsuk, who officially retired from the national side in a farewell party on Sunday. Pawina paid respect to the Princess who sent her a bouquet of flowers to Sunday's party.
The Princess asked Thai delegation chief Thana Chaiprasit who will carry the Thai flag during the opening ceremony and Thana said boxer Worapoj Petchkoom, a silver medallist at the 2004 Games, is assigned to do the job.
She was also keen to know about the number of the Thai athletes at the 2008 Games, their preparations and accomodation as well as the weather in Beijing.
Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapha said the delegation felt grateful to the Princess who gave them some wise words.
Thana said it was an honour for the contingent to have been granted an audience with Her Royal Highness. "We feel grateful. This boosts our morale," he said.
Thana, who was in Beijing at the weekend, said the Athletes' Village was ready and athletes from some countries had already stayed there.
There will be 51 Thai athletes at the 2008 Olympics who are expected to win two gold medals. Thailand won three gold, one silver and four bronze medals at the Athens Olympics.
According to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, the Princess will cook a meal for the Thai delegation during her stay in Beijing.
By WANCHAI RUJAWONGSANTI
Source: Bangkokpost.com
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