THE Sports Personality of the Year competition gives us an opportunity to reflect on what an amazing year it has been for us all – an opportunity for me to say:

Thank you, West Devon, and thank you, Tavistock, particularly thank you to all of you who made the visit of the Swaziland athletes this July such a success.

The teams at Tavistock College sports department where they trained and at Kelly College where they stayed, went out of their way to make the Swazis feel at home while giving them the opportunity to experience outstanding training facilities and to acclimatise (to the rain) in their run-up to the greatest sporting competition of their lives, the London Olympic Games.

The West Devon Pre-Games Training Camp was a partnership of Tavistock, Kelly, and Okehampton Colleges supported by all of the local councils. Everyone in West Devon played their parts and it was particularly rewarding to see the interest shown by the schools — many primary schools ran projects on different aspects of life in Swaziland. Both Tavistock and Okehampton College held 'Assemblies' where the athletes attended for a question and answer session.

Many people invited the Swazis to their homes for meals and an opportunity to relax from their training schedules, but the highlight was the mayor's reception in the town hall, kindly hosted by Tavistock town mayor Anne Johnson supported by West Devon mayor Robin Musgrave with the Swaziland ambassador in attendance.

There was an outstanding 'drumming' demonstration by pupils of Bere Alston Primary school and songs of welcome by a local group of choristers lead by Hilly Mole. Mention must also be made of the team of drivers who volunteered to give up days of their time to act as a taxi service for the athletes. The 'farewell' party hosted by Nick and Doreen Fell, at their Dartmoor farm, was the icing on the cake.

So, thank you to you all for the enthusiasm and support that you gave to us as a Committee to make the Camp run so well. I must reserve my greatest accolade though to our committee who worked tirelessly to make this happen for West Devon – a very special place.

James Allenby