THE Mexicans are coming!

With just 200 days now remaining until the London 2012 Olympic Games begins, the Mexican Paralympic Committee has chosen Swansea as its base.

Its 40-strong team, competing in athletics, swimming, judo and powerlifting, will be based at Swansea University, where they will take advantage of its sporting facilities to prepare for the games.

They are just one of four countries who are the latest to commit their pre-Games training camps in Wales.

They include the Botswana National Olympic Committee, which will be based in Cardiff, as well as the Liberia National Paralympic Committee, and the Lesotho National Olympic Committee.

The announcement follows the decision by Athletics New Zealand to prepare for the Games in Wales.

Prof O Sergio Durand Alcantara, secretary general of the Mexican Paralympic Committee, said: "It will be a great privilege to have our last training camp to participate in the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Swansea University in Wales; the venues are really good.

"It is important to mention the great support I have received from the Welsh Government and also from Swansea University staff. I am sure our pre-Games training camp will be a great success and impact positively on the medals our national delegation will obtain in the Paralympic Games, but also for the opportunity to interact with the people of Wales."

At least 19 countries are expected to train in Wales in the run-up to the Games. They include the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, who will be based in Cardiff, as will Paralympic athletes from the whole of the Oceania region, including Australia and South Africa.

Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "With 2012 now upon us, and with 200 days left until the world's biggest sporting event takes place on our doorstep, I'm delighted we are able to make this announcement.

"The decisions reflect the hard work put in by the Welsh Government and its partners and shows that Wales has the kind of facilities and sporting infrastructure that Olympic and Paralympic teams are looking for.

"Pre-Games training camps will provide opportunities to develop sporting, educational and cultural exchanges with countries that come to Wales and provide opportunities for children and local communities to get involved, resulting in a positive Games legacy for Wales."

Also heading to Swansea University is the Irish Triathlon team, who will also be looking to benefit from the Gower peninsula.

Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee Lord Coe said: "I wish the teams and their Welsh colleagues all the very best in their preparations for London 2012."

nino.williams@swwmedia.co.uk

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