The Czech Republic signed the official application for participation in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing on Thursday.

President Vaclav Klaus and Czech Olympic Committee head Milan Jirasek signed the application document at Prague Castle, the presidential seat.

Former and current Czech athletes, including world decathlon champion Roman Sebrle and javelin triple Olympic gold medalist Jan Zelezny, as well as sport officials attended the event.

Klaus, a keen sport fan and an active sportsman, confirmed his words.

"These games will be extraordinary. They will be observed more than usually. I would be glad if they were recollected primarily in connection with Czech athletes' successes," said Klaus.

Some 36 Czech athletes have been confirmed for the Olympic team now. Most nominations will be specified next year.

"We expect the Czech Olympic team to comprise some 130 to 140 athletes plus those accompanying them, so the whole delegation might have some 230 people in total," Jirasek added.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2007)