African athletes to choose York

The African nation's squad is choosing York as close links with the have already been established.

Four sports scientists from York St John University travelled to Gambia in March to share their knowledge with about 40 coaches at a conference.

The executive director of the National Olympics Committee in Gambia, Lawrence Bruce, will visit York next Monday to see some venues, including Huntington Stadium, York College, York University and York Community Gymnastics Club.

York Council will also host a lunch before an official memorandum of understanding is signed by Mr Bruce and the authority's executive member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, Coun Nigel Ayre.

As many as seven African countries could be based in

York.

Gambia is first to sign up, but other West African countries such as Senegal, Burkino Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea and Niger, may yet join them in Yorkshire.