Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander on Monday expressed his appreciation of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Speaking at the opening session of the 2008 World Water Week, Willem-Alexander, who chairs the UN Secretary General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation, said he was touched by the performances of the athletes as well as the atmosphere of the Games.

"Everywhere you go, you can feel the competitors' spirit and enthusiasm. They all have their hearts set on a medal -- preferably gold of course! That passion drives the participants, but it also unites them, creating an atmosphere of common understanding and harmony," he said.

Willem-Alexander, who is a member of the International Olympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and will travel to Beijing again after his trip to Sweden.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2008)