BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Benin became the first foreign delegation to raise flag in the Beijing Olympic Village on Tuesday.

Chen Zhili, mayor of the Village, made a welcome speech and presented a souvenir to Benin's chef de mission, Charles Nobre.

Small country located in West Africa, Benin sends a 15-member delegation to the Beijing Olympics. Its five athletes will compete in athletics, swimming and taekwondo.

For Fabienne Fereaz, the Beijing Olympics will give her a good chance to know better about China's culture.

"It's my first time in Beijing. When I was in France, I watched many Chinese movies", said the athlete who will participate in women's 200 meters race.

"I hope that I will have time to visit the Great Wall," she said.

The Olympic Village officially opened on Sunday when the delegation of host China checked in the 66-hectare compound.