ATHLETES from the Gambia will make York their home in 2012 after signing a deal to base their pre-Olympic games camp in the Minster city.

A memorandum of understanding was signed in the African country last week and Lawrence Bruce, executive director of the National Olympics Committee in Gambia, will be visiting York next week for a ceremony at the Mansion House.

Part of a drive to bring seven countries which make up ZANOCA (Zonal Association of National Olympic Committee of Africa) Zone II countries to York, Gambia are the first to sign up.

It is hoped they will be followed by athletes from Senegeal, Burkino Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea and Niger.

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