(CPV) - The Vietnamese flag was raised at the Olympic Park in London on July 21, marking the official participation of Vietnamese athletes’ competitions at the Summer Games.

At that time, the Vietnamese delegation consists of over 20 members led by Mr Lam Quang Thanh, Deputy Director of the General Department of Sports and Physical Training.

The national flag of the Philippines was also raised at the event.

Addressing the ceremony, the Mayor of the Olympic Park, Mr Boris Johnson, welcomed officials and athletes from Vietnam and the Philippines to the Games, hoping that the athletes will perform well, bring glory to their countries as well as have unforgettable memories at the London Olympic Games.

The Mayor invited Thanh to the stage to participate in the flag flying ceremony, which was raised to the Vietnamese national anthem.

Weight-lifter Tran Le Quoc Toan in the men's 56kg category said: “It was the first time I have attended the flag raising ceremony. It is very impressive. When hearing the artists chanting ‘I am a champion’, I feel very excited and determined to do my best to get medals for the nation”.

“The ceremony was so exciting. I do love the way that athletes show their identities there”, shared Mr Cecil Huggett, a volunteer in charge of holding name badge for Vietnam.

Up to now, ten out of the 18 Vietnamese athletes are now in London preparing for gymnastics, track-and-field, weight-lifting, rowing and judo events.

In the next few days, the remaining athletes who will compete in fencing, badminton, swimming, shooting, wrestling, and taekwondo will fly to London.

The opening ceremony of Games will be staged on the evening of July 27, next Friday./.