Gambian chef de mission George F. Gomez said in Beijing on Thursday that the athlete transfer between countries should be prohibited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Now many wealthy countries hire lots of African talented athletes to change nationality and compete in the international events, which is a great blow to our continent's sport development," said Gomez.

"This behavior is unfair and not polite. I hope the IOC members could stop this kind of trade," he added.

African sports have witnessed a backslide since the Athens Olympics, said Gomez, adding he hoped a significant improvement could be made in Beijing.

"African medal tally mainly lies in mid and long distance race and I hope one of my boys could also win a medal for our country," he said.

The Gambian delegation is composed of three athletes, two in athletics and one in boxing. Jack Badou G. J., the nation's first ever gold medalist in an international boxing event, is seeking a podium finish in 70kg class in Beijing.

Gomez said he believed sports can bring peoples closer.

"Though we are not wealthy, we decided to come here, that's because sport have the power to bring people together," he said.

Gomez told journalists that soccer, tennis and handball were the most popular sports in Gambia. With the help of Chinese engineers and workers, Gambians can play in modern stadiums.

"Chinese friends have already helped us build many great stadiums. For example, there is a 30,000-seat football stadium and a 5000-seat basketball venue in Gambia," he said.

On his second visit to Beijing after joining the chef de mission meeting of IOC last year, Gomez highly praised the host city's development and hospitality.

"The development is amazing and it's a really beautiful metropolis," he said. "Beijing citizens' friendly smile is not only due to the Games, but also from their true heart. From their face, I could see their kindness and friendliness."

Having attended four Olympics, Gomez said Beijing's Athletes Village was the best.

"For the four Olympic Games I has participated in, this Olympic village here is by far the best one," he said. "The food and service here are wonderful and I believe athletes would love this place because I'm deeply impressed."

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2008)