Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega congratulated Beijing on the successful opening ceremony of the 29th Olympics late Friday, local media reported Saturday.

The Beijing Olympics is a miracle created by intelligent and united Chinese people within a superb social system, Ortega said, adding that the spectacular light effects and fireworks on the opening ceremony have greatly surprised him.

He praised the efforts by the Chinese government for the Beijing Olympics and noted that the event would promote the passion for sports and the awareness of physical health among the Chinese people.

The president also expressed his wish that the six Nicaraguan athletes competing in the Beijing Games could give their best performance and win honor for their country.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)