Bush: Very uplifting experience

2008-08-11 10:33

Beijing - US President George W Bush said the Beijing Olympics exceeded his expectations, calling them a "very uplifting experience" that he won't forget.

"The whole thing is genuine," Bush said in a short interview on Monday before leaving Beijing at the end of his week-long Asia trip. "That's the good thing about the Olympics. It's been a lot of fun."

He also said his attendance, which has been criticised by human rights activists as an endorsement of China's repression of free expression, was important.

"It's good to send a signal to the Chinese people that we respect them, that this is about their country," Bush said.

The president, watching as players whacked line drives during a practice baseball game between the US and China, said the best part for him was getting his photo taken with several teams.

"They were so gracious and grateful and excited," Bush said. "It's just a very energetic feeling. They represent the best of USA athletics. They're full of hope."

Bush called the Olympics a "very uplifting experience" and said he liked the venues, calling them fan-friendly. The crowds were a very international mix, with a large number of people coming to China to cheer for competitors from around the world.

- AP