Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd confirmed on Thursday he will attend the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on Aug. 8.

At a farewell gathering for Australian Institute of Sport athletes heading to Beijing, Rudd told them he would be there to cheer them on.

"I will be in Beijing at the invitation of the Chinese government for the opening of the Games," he said.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said Rudd will attend the official team reception in Beijing on Aug. 7, and hand the Australian flag to the athlete chosen as flag bearer for the opening ceremony the following day.

"It is very important for our team on the eve of competition to have the prime minister present," said AOC President John Coates.

"We are delighted Rudd will be with us in Beijing," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2008)