Jon Ward The Washington Times - August 8, 2008, 09:46AM

President Bush Friday spoke to the entire contingent of U.S. Olympic athletes as they gathered to march into the opening ceremony in Beijing. 

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Mr. Bush, who is in Beijing to watch four days of competition, told them he “wasn’t exactly sure what to say to you, except to start with, God, I love our country and I love what we stand for. “

“And I love being with you,” he said, as the athletes applauded.

“It’s got to be really exciting — thinking about marching in that stadium and representing our country.  So I guess all I’ve got to say is, go forth, give it all you’ve got, and may God bless you,” he said.

The president also added: “We want you to win as many golds as you possibly can.”