CRI听力：Global Athletes Head to Beijing Olympics

With the Beijing Olympics less than two weeks away, athletes around the world are heading to the Chinese capital with hope and encouragement from their motherlands.

In Europe, Belgium has presented its Olympic team of more than 90 athletes.

Philip Roger is the head of the delegation.

"Obviously, someone with medal potential should try to or maybe even win the medal. But my hope is these people come back and say that whatever the result, this has been my best performance ever."

In Cuba, a ceremony was held shortly before the main body of the country's sports delegation left for Beijing on Saturday. (Www.hXen.com)

A letter from the country's former leader, Fidel Castro, was read and delivered to each athlete. He asked the ahtletes to forget about the spectators and the venues when they compete and to concentrate on the Games.

India also sent its Olympic contingent to Beijing. World champion shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu was among the 57 delegates. He said the Indian athletes would fight until the end for Olympic glory at the Beijing Games.

Iran is ready to send its largest Olympic contingent of athletes since the 1976 Montreal Games. Among them are the members of the national basketball team, which will make its first Olympic appearance in 60 years.