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THE Chinese weightlifting have chosen Bangor as their base to prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games.
First Minister Carwyn Jones delighted that the 48 athletes, coaches and support staff would hold their pre-Games training camp at Bangor University.
“This is a real coup for Wales as the team has such an impressive track record and have very high hopes for the 2012 Game,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming the team to Wales next month, wish them well with their preparations and hope that this is the beginning of a long lasting friendship."
China won 8 gold medals from the 15 available at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and are arguably the greatest weightlifting team in the world.
Anglo-Chinese Sports and Culture Association director Dr Herman Wang, speaking on behalf of the Chinese Weightlifting Association, said that 48 athletes, coaches and support staff looked forward to their stay from August 4-10.
“All key agencies in Wales are working in partnership to provide a first class environment for the Chinese team to train in a beautiful part of Wales on the Menai Strait and in Snowdonia National Park,” he said.
It is estimated that more then 800 athletes and support staff who will train in Wales in the lead in to the Games will inject millions of pounds into the Welsh economy.
Paralympic Teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have also chosen Wales as their base for pre-Games training.
Jonathan Roberts of the Welsh Weightlifting Federation hoped that the visit would inspire a new generation of champion lifters in Wales.
"We are privileged to have the World's Greatest Weightlifters training in our country and it is a fitting tribute to past and present Welsh Weightlifters who themselves have won medals in every Commonwealth Games since 1954,” he said.
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