SPORTS NEWS

OJ-2008: Sarkozy salutes "a great success" for France and Europe 24.08.2008 16:21 The President Nicolas Sarkozy Sunday hailed the "tremendous success" have been the Olympic Games in Beijing for France, which has "brilliantly won 40 medals, and for Europe, with 280 medals," takes the lead classification. " "The president warmly congratulate the whole team of France who won brilliantly with 40 medals, including 7 gold, 16 silver and 17 bronze," said the Elysee in a statement Closing the Beijing Olympics. Athletes french exceed "the number of medals won at the last Olympics in Sydney, welcomes the Head of State. The "blue" have completed the Beijing Olympics at the 10th place ranking of nations. In 2004 in Athens they had won 33 medals (7th), including 11 gold, and 2000 in Sydney, 38 medals (6th) including 13 gold. Emphasizing a "tremendous success," Mr. Sarkozy believes that "these victories are those men and women passionate, determined, who put all their energy to achieve the Olympic marches." "They made us vibrate and we have obtained a lot of happiness during these Games. A whole nation has encouraged and supported during these weeks. Our athletes are the pride of french people," he adds. As President of the Council of the European Union, Mr. Sarkozy also welcomed the "tremendous success of the summer Olympics in Beijing for Europe". "With 280 medals including 87 gold, 101 silver and 92 bronze, the European Union takes the top of the ranking. This is the victory of the sport and its core values and the common people 's Union, "he says.