Mariano Rajoy stresses that Spain "is a great nation" and "a great sporting powerhouse"

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Mariano Rajoy underlined that the Spanish Olympic team is made up of "great champions and people with a long track-record", who represent Spain, "the oldest nation in Europe", and also "a great sporting powerhouse". "I am sure that for you, representing your country, representing Spain, is a source of great pride".

President of the Government Rajoy underlined that "a great country of 46 million people" will be "following" the participation of the Spanish Olympic team and added that all these people "will be pleased at your successes", and they will also be there with you "in case some things, which we hope are not too many, do not come off well".

Spanish athletes, an example for us all

Pool Moncloa/J.M.CuadradoThe President of the Government said to the athletes that "we highly value what you do" and are aware that "many hours of training have gone into it, a great deal of hard work and effort, dedication and perseverance". All of this, he added, "sets an example for all of us, not just in sport, but in all facets of life".

Mariano Rajoy expressed his conviction that Spain will win "many medals" and "many diplomas" in Rio, although "there is something that we have already won": "We can already see your sporting ambition, your desire to prevail, your 'never give up' spirit and what you have done over these years of preparation". It is for this that "we feel proud of all of you, we want you to do well, and your successes are also ours", said the President of the Government in closing.

The reception at Moncloa Palace was also attended by the Minister for Education, Culture and Sport, Iñigo Méndez de Vigo, the President of the Spanish Olympic Committee (Spanish acronym: COE), Alejandro Blanco, and around 100 athletes.