UN chief congratulates Beijing Olympics athletes

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday congratulated athletes participating in the Beijing Winter Games.

Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General said "Congratulations to every Olympian and Paralympian participating in the 2022 Winter Games. The Olympic spirit is one of peace, mutual respect, and understanding...............It is my fervent hope that this spirit goes far beyond these Olympics, to remind everyone........... Let the Olympic spirit of fair play and solidarity shines throughout the games and beyond. "Thank you" (in Mandarin). Thank you."

Guterres is among a few dozen heads of states and international organisations attending the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Winter Games. Attendees include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, among others.