Germany's Olympic team was officially sent off to the Rio de Janeiro Games late Monday, with a small group of athletes and some officials boarding a plane to Brazil, according to dpa. "This is a very special moment. Now it's finally starting," Germany chef de mission Michael Vesper said. Germany has nominated 423 athletes for the August 5-21 Games. Some athletes have already arrived in Rio while others will follow later, depending on the date of their competition. Monday's group of 80 included 42 athletes from sports such equestrian, cycling, shooters, beach volleyballers and the European champion handball team.
