Source: CCTV.com
10-09-2008 10:56
Special Report: 2008 Beijing Olympic GamesSpecial Report: Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games
German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed members of Germany's Beijing Olympic and Paralympic squads to her office Wednesday.
Merkel praised their spirit and said that it was an honor to be able to take part in something like the Olympics. Merkel told the athletes, "I was always taught that just participating in the Olympic Games was something incredible."
Thomas Bach of the International Olympic Committee presented Merkel with a Germany shirt and made her an honorary member of the Beijing team.
Canoeing gold medallist, Kathrin Wagner-Augustin thanked the Chancellor for taking the time to meet them, especially during the global financial crisis, and joked about the medals on show. Merkel joined in, acknowledging that gold is very sought-after at the moment.
Germany's team won 41 medals in the Olympic Games, including 16 golds and 59 medals in the Paralympics, including 14 golds.
Editor:Zhang Yue
