WELSH Conservatives today voiced concern at claims supporters of Welsh athletes will not be able to wave the Welsh flag at Olympic events.

Shadow Sports Minister Paul Davies AM said:

"This has serious implications for freedom of expression and the rights of supporters and athletes to celebrate their success.

"Welsh medal winning athletes and their supporters have been able to wave the Welsh flag at previous Olympics without the threat of having them confiscated.

"The UK and Assembly governments need to impress upon the Beijing games organisers that supporters and athletes from the four nations of the United Kingdom must be allowed to wave their home country's flag during the Olympics."

Cardiff North AM Jonathan Morgan said:

"For as long as I can remember supporters of Welsh athletes have waved the Welsh flag at the Olympic Games.

"Along with the Union flag, it is an important symbol to demonstrate their pride in Wales' role in the British team.

"It concerns me that this issue has not been dealt with adequately in the years running up to the Beijing games by either the IOC or the games organisers.

"The Olympic Games is about celebrating pride in national achievement, and must not be allowed to become an event which seeks to suppress it."