Sports scientists head to Africa in hope of realising York's Olympic dream (From York Press)

Sports scientists head to Africa in hope of realising York's Olympic dream

9:51am Thursday 4th February 2010 in Sport By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

COACHES going out to West Africa on a training conference which could eventually see Olympic teams gearing-up in York hope they can pass on the latest training and sports techniques to athletes.

The Press exclusively revealed last week how a York partnership had been in talks with seven African nations – including Gambia, Senegal and Burkino Faso – about holding their pre-games camp for the London 2012 Olympics in this city.

As the build-up to secure that deal intensifies, four sports scientists at York St John University are off to Gambia next month to share their knowledge and expertise with more than 40 coaches.

They are leading a four-day conference, running from March 15 to 18, which will concentrate on sports fitness, training methods and analysis, preparation for competition and long-term development.

It came about after discussions between Ian Ashton, vice chair of the Moors and Coast tourism partnership, and George Gomez, executive director of the Gambian National Olympic Committee.

Representatives visited York last summer and met with people from the university, York College and the University of York, demonstrating how serious the city was about developing links with West Africa.

Howard Hall, professor of sport-related studies at York St John University, reckons the conference could play a key role in bringing the nations, which make up ZANOCA (Zonal Association of National Olympic Committee of Africa) Zone II countries, to York for the Olympics.

“It’s instrumental in being able to develop those links (between York and the West African countries),” he said.

“It’s really the sweetener that enables people in the Gambia to see what York has to offer – not just in terms of facilities but in terms of the individuals and the opportunities that might arise for them within York.

“It gives us the opportunity to showcase the community work that we do and the practical side of sports science. It is also part of a wider scheme. It’s on a number of different levels.”

Michelle Jones, head of sports subject area, who will be leading the course in Gambia, said: “One of the things we are trying to do is make it a sustainable project out there. The four day conference will be one thing but we would like to engage with them afterwards.

“For instance, we are trying to seek sponsorship for some equipment. The idea is they could use it but, with heart-rate monitors, the athletes and coaches could send the data here to our students who could analyse it.

“We could provide support. It’s involving the two communities. There are very basic facilities out there so we are planning on being a bit innovative.”

Aside from clothing, conference coaches are looking for businesses to sponsor speed and agility equipment packages, heart-rate monitoring equipment and Smartspeed reactive training systems.

For more information on how to help, phone Emma Hoddinott on 07712 788318.