A MESSAGE TO THE AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM

8 August 2008

A Message
from
His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC (Retd)
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
to the Australian Olympic Team

It is with great pride that I extend, on behalf of the nation, our best wishes and keen support for your sporting endeavours in the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

The Olympics represent the pinnacle of sporting achievement and you can feel justifiably proud to be representing your country at this elite level, not just as sports men and women but as ambassadors for our country.

You are now Olympians and represent those ideals which blend sport with culture and education. Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.

The theme for this Olympics “One World One Dream" expresses the common wish of people worldwide to strive for a better future for Mankind inspired by the Olympic ideal.

My wife Marlena and I look forward to meeting you in Beijing shortly. Rest assured, like Aussies everywhere, we will be cheering you on as you carry into intense sporting competition the hopes and aspirations of our nation.

Good luck and enjoy the ride.