Premier Paula Cox has extended her support to Bermuda’s Olympic athletes at the 2012 Olympic Games.After attending the Annual Cup Match Classic in Somerset, Premier Cox flew to the UK at the weekend to tend to business and support Bermuda’s Olympic athletes. Accompanying the Premier is the Minister of Youth, Family and Sport, Glenn Blakeney JP MP, and while overseas the two dignitaries have made a concerted effort during their stay to demonstrate support for the Bermuda team.“It is important to show the flag for Bermuda and our athletes who were selected and earned their place here as part of the world's best,” said Premier Cox.“Often I travel to promote Bermuda business. While I have a meeting to promote Bermuda's business here in London, I am proud to also switch hats to show my support for our Bermudian athletes,” she continued.Since arriving in London, both dignitaries have shown their support by attending the Games where, at the weekend, many of Bermuda’s athletes competed in events."I and Minister Blakeney are so pleased that we are able to be here to support all of Bermuda's Olympic athletes. They have given such a tremendous effort at these games and all of Bermuda should be so very proud of their achievement,” the Premier said.To further show appreciation, Premier Cox will host a special reception on Thursday honouring all of Bermuda’s Olympic athletes and she and Mr Blakeney will ‘personally thank them for representing Bermuda with pride, integrity and grace.’Mr Blakeney also commented on the athletes’ performances, noting that Flora Duffy made ‘a very commendable effort during the women’s Olympic Triathlon’ despite her spill in the beginning of the race, and that Jillian Terceira ‘just missed making the third qualifier’ in her event. The Minister also watched Tyrone Smith perform in the finals of the men’s long jump and added that he looks forward to watching Tyler Butterfield and Arantxa King compete today.In addition to witnessing Bermuda athletes Ms Duffy, Mr Smith and Ms Terceira perform in their respective events this past weekend, Premier Cox and Mr Blakeney attended the Olympic Stadium on Sunday evening and witnessed history as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt bested the field in the men’s 100 metres final, winning the gold medal and setting an Olympic record.Citing the occasion as “a memorable one”, the Premier added: "This has been an amazing experience. The atmosphere here in London is so electric. The crowds are so passionate, and the calibre of athletes has been first class. Certainly the men's 100-metre final featuring Usain Bolt was the highlight of today's events. It truly was a wonderful spectacle.”Given all the sporting events of late — specifically Cup Match and Bermuda’s participation in the Olympics — the Premier highlighted “the importance of good sportsmanship, a competitive spirit and fair play”, saying, "Bermuda is aggressive on many fronts. We take our sports seriously. Further we take the accomplishments of our Bermudian athletes seriously. We pride ourselves on our reputation — business friendly, credible and strategic. We are taking the gloves off on every front. I am proud of our Bermudians who are doing their best to represent the Island and our spirit well. That is what will continue to distinguish us and differentiate us — our competitive spirit and sense of fair play. Long may it continue.”