THERE was a warm welcome for West Devon's Olympic visitors from Swaziland at a special reception held in Tavistock Town Hall last week.

Sprinters Bruno Matsenjwa and Phumlile Ndzinisa, along with their coach Muzi Mabuza and masseur Nyoni Nquopa are staying at Kelly College while they make their final preparations for the Olympic Games, using the track and gym facilities at Tavistock College.

At the reception, they were welcomed to the area by mayor of Tavistock Cllr Anne Johnson, and mayor of West Devon Cllr Robin Musgrave.

Cllr Johnson said it was 'wonderful' to welcome the team —their arrival in the town was a real tribute to the hard work put in by the West Devon Pre Games Training Camp Committee, which had organised their stay.

'I hope you will enjoy your visit — and using the facilities we have here in Tavistock,' she said.

Cllr Musgrave said he was delighted the athletes intended to participate in some local events before they travelled to London — and he was sure local runners would provide some stiff competition!

He said West Devon was proud to have produced several Olympic athletes and paralympians, including modern pentathletes Kate Allenby and Heather Fell.

He said: 'When you step on to the track in your respective events, you will have the support of your fellow countrymen and women — but be assured, we will also be cheering you on — have a great Games!'

Swaziland High Commissioner Dumsilie Sukata passed on 'sincere gratitude' for the warm welcome extended to her country's athletic team.

'This is without doubt a very valuable occasion, because it shows us that commitment, perseverence and patience does pay in the end — otherwise we wouldn't be here.'

Mrs Sukata paid tribute to the athletes, who had overcome many challenges and worked 'extremely' hard to earn their place at the Olympics: 'I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best as you fly the country's flag high.'

James Allenby, of the training camp committee, said seeing the Swazi athletes in Tavistock was a huge honour, which had taken some two years of work to achieve, and he paid tribute to the 'brilliant' committee members who had 'worked their socks off'.

Dr Allenby told the Times: 'This is something amazing for Tavistock — here we are in a little rural area and we have an Olympic team here — but places like Exeter, Taunton, Truro have nothing. We have our own little piece of the Olympic action, which is almost unique.'

Guests at the reception were treated to a wonderful display of African drumming by children from Bere Alston Primary School, and music from the Welcome Choir.

The team from Swaziland will be in Tavistock until they leave for the Olympic village on Monday,

July 23.