A see-off ceremony ahead of the departure of the Ukraine Olympic delegation for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver took place at the Ukrainian House on Wednesday, February 3, UKRINFORM correspondents reported.

President Viktor Yushchenko addressed the ceremony saying that in Vancouver Ukraine will be represented by athletes, who were pursuing this goal for many years of training.  “We will be applauding your every success. You worked hard and today you have a real chance to win,” he said.

Yushchenko congratulated the Olympians emphasizing that the Olympic Games is not just one of the most important events in every athlete's life, but it is also a significant event nationwide. “I wish you a lot of victories, since we have good traditions,” he noted reminding about Ukraine's sports achievements at the Beijing Olympics when our squad ranked 11th in an unofficial standing worldwide.

The Ukrainian national team comprises 53 athletes (with 6 reserve sportsmen) to compete in 8 events February 12-28, 2010.