The Team GB Judo Team will gradually start arriving at the Team GB Preparation Camp in Macau from tomorrow, before moving on to Beijing for the Games.

Team GB Deputy Chef de Mission (Sport) Sir Clive Woodward recently visited the preparation camp from his base in the Games Village in Beijing.

Speaking after watching gymnasts training at the Macau East Asian Games Dome, one of the state-of-the-art facilities being used in Macau by British athletes to fine-tune their preparations for Beijing, he said Macau has proved the right choice to host the Team GB Preparation Camp for the crucially important last few days before athletes head for the Games.

"We have got to get this bit right for that last short window before the Games. The last preparation time is hugely critical to delivering on the day.

"I’ve spoken to some of the coaches and teams and everyone seems happy with the facilities that the BOA has provided.

"The Macau authorities have gone out of their way to allow us to prepare properly for the Games.

"We’re here to deliver and make sure we back up the athletes and coaches. We need to help every sport, every athlete and every coach to arrive at their event in fine fettle".

The seven Team GB judo players will train at the Macau Judo Association, whilst on the island.  The 2008 Olympic Games will open on the 8th August, with Craig Fallon (-60kg) the first member of the team to compete on Saturday 9th August.

© David Finch

For further information please contact James Sills on 01509 631 670 x230 or via email jamessills@britishjudo.org.uk