YORK is in a strong position to be involved in the 2012 Olympics - but will still have to compete against European cities like Paris for a chance to reap the benefits, enthusiasts heard at a special meeting.

Representatives from sports clubs across York turned up to hear how the city might be involved in the London Olympics, at a meeting organised by the York and District Sports Federation.

Francesca Wood, from the Yorkshire and Humber region of Sport England, told the meeting: "Paris is in as good a position to bid as we are in Yorkshire - we are competing against Western Europe."

But she added: "Effectively, we are a suburb just north of London - 200 miles is not very far. It's just a hop, skip and a jump from London."

Mel Welch, secretary of the Federation of Yorkshire Sport, said outside the meeting: "I can't think of anywhere else that's got the advantages York has got. The only venues that rival it are Edinburgh, Bath or Stratford."

Sports chiefs from across York - one of five centres across the region that have been identified as possible sites - are working to promote the city's Olympic involvement.

It is hoped the city could be chosen as a suitable training camp for either a competing nation or specific sport, like cycling, rowing or tennis.

Professor Andy Smith, chairman of Active York, told the meeting that the city's strengths included its good transport links to London and its culture.

He said he hoped the Olympics would act as a spur to people in the city to take part in more sport.

"The real challenge is to get those who do least, to do a little bit more - there are some people out there who don't exercise because they don't perceive themselves as a sporty type," he said.

Now a steering group is set to be started to come up with ways in which York could bid to be involved in the games.

York and District Sports Federation secretary Nick Blitz said: "We need to identify the volunteers in York. The council should be a major player, but it (the group) need not - or indeed should not - be council-led."

Do you think the city has a sporting chance?

Martin Dixon, 53, from York: "York ought to support it up to the hilt."

John Sanderson, 64, from York, said: "It would certainly bolster tourism, as those who have never been to England would possibly come here."

Sara McIntyre, 20, from Wheldrake, said: "As York is a tourist city it would benefit from the Olympics in that sense."

Jenny Scott, 58, from Haxby, said: "I would hope that any involvement in York would mean that the community would get improved facilities."

Jennifer Howard, 64, from York, said: "A lot of people like sport - personally I'm not a sport person. I think it will be good for people who enjoy sport."

Simon Wallace, 53, York, said: "I don't see how businesses would benefit outside of London - look at Ascot in York, for example."

Updated: 09:42 Wednesday, October 12, 2005