Cuban delegation to the Beijing Olympic Games assured former Cuban leader Fidel Castro that they will compete with "success, discipline and dignity," local media reported Wednesday.

In a message to Castro, the 169 Cuban athletes attending the Beijing Olympiad said they would take the challenge to give good performance in Beijing, and they promised to compete with dignity, commitments and confidence.

Castro sent each athlete a message two days ago, encouraging them to bear in mind the honor of the Cuban people and strive for gold medals.

The athletes thanked Castro's constant attention to Cuba's sports, and said his message inspired among them unity, commitment and patriotism, which helps them give top performance in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)