BERLIN, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- NBA star player Dirk Nowitzki was selected as the flag bearer of the German Olympic team at the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 8, the German Olympic Committee (DOSB) announced on Wednesday.

    "We have decided for him, because he more than any other embodies the Olympic idea," said DOSB secretary-general Michael Vesper, who serves as chief of German Olympic team, in a statement.

    The 30-year-old Dirk Nowitzki is one of the most successful players in the North American basketball league NBA.

    Playing for Dallas Mavericks, Nowitzki is the first European player that was selected as NBA most valuable player. He was also selected several times in the all-star team in the NBA.

    Nowitzki also led Germany to win the bronze medal at the World Cup in 2002 and silver medal at the European Championship in 2005.

    Since last month, German fans launched a campaign on the Internet, calling for appointment of Nowitzki as the flag bearer of the German team.

    "For years, Dirk Nowitzki has a dream to be at the Olympics. This dream is now reality," said Vesper.

    "This is a clear statement and he therefore becomes a great role model for young athletes. This was a decision for Dirk Nowitzki and not against any other athlete or another athlete, " Vesper added.