The majority of the 81 nominated athletes came to the Hofburg in Vienna following the two official clothing fitting days; only athletes who were taking part in competitions or training camps were unable to attend.
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who is also the patron of the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC), stressed that the past Summer Games had shown the dynamic that might develop from this and how enthusiasm might spread throughout the country. “You have already come a long way, showing perseverance, determination and team spirit,” the head of state said to the athletes. “We are happy regarding every success you achieve. Come back healthy.”
Photo gallery: Olympics: The athletes were ceremoniously sworn in and bid farewell
FAREWELL TO THE OLYMPIC TEAM OF THE …OC WITH THE FEDERAL PRESIDENT (Photo: GEORG HOCHMUTH (APA)) Bild 1/17
View gallery
“Your wishes shall come true”
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (both ÖVP) also highlighted the last aspect, as well as the participation of five police and 49th Army athletes. “Lots of success,” Karner said to the crowd, which included many coaches, other supervisors and officials. “Your wishes should come true,” said Tanner. Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler (Greens) described qualifying for the Olympics as “a duty accomplished. Now the freestyle can begin.”
“Festival of Peace”
ÖOC President Karl Stoss opened the ceremonial event with particularly fitting words. “It is a celebration of peace, tolerance and mutual respect. You represent these values, you show this every day in competitions – that is what sets you apart, that is what makes you great. We have big plans. We want to achieve as many sporting successes and hopefully many medals as possible for the Republic of Austria. I am convinced that these will be great games.” Stoss hopes for a number of five to ten medals for ÖOC athletes.
Before the individual swearing-in of the largest ÖOC team at the Summer Games since Sydney 2000, rower Magdalena Lobnig and sport climber Jakob Schubert spoke the oath on behalf of all athletes, coaches and support staff, promising to respect the rules and uphold the values of fair play, inclusion and equality. Also part of the ceremony and dressed in leather costume was Saman Soltani, an Iranian flatwater canoeist from the IOC refugee team living in Austria.
