President Halonen supported Finnish athletes in Beijing

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen attended a reception hosted by the Finnish Embassy in Beijing and the Finnish Olympic Committee on Tuesday, 19 August. The guests at the event included Finnish athletes, Finnish expatriates and other Olympic guests. President Halonen thanked the Finnish athletes and their support groups, the Finnish Olympic Committee as well as the spectators. President Halonen emphasized that alongside competitive sport, we need to support fitness-training as they are both important. President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi watched Finns competing in different sports in Beijing. According to President Halonen, the atmosphere at the Olympic Games was great and the arrangements were excellent. Earlier on Tuesday, the presidential couple followed, for example, Joona Puhakka competing at the diving semifinal.

President Halonen with rowers Minna Nieminen (left) and Sanna Stén. Photo: Lehtikuva

On Saturday 16 August, President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi cheered on Sanna Stén and Minna Nieminen in their in rowing race which they won silver. On Monday, President Halonen visited Finnish athletes in the Olympic Village. President Halonen personally congratulated rowers Stén and Nieminen as well as Henri Häkkinen who won bronze in rifle shooting.

President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi returned to Finland on 25 August, after the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.

President Halonen will travel again to Beijing in October, when she will participate in the Europe - Asia (ASEM) Summit and meet Chinese leaders.