Tommy Smith will become the first current Town player to appear at the Olympics this evening when New Zealand take on Belarus at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena (KO 7.45pm).

After tonight's game the Oly Whites, an U23 side plus three overage players, next take on Egypt at Old Trafford on Sunday and Brazil at St James' Park, Newcastle next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Town have announced that Suffolk athletes at the London Games and the county's Olympic torch-bearers will complete a lap of honour at Portman Road prior to the Blues' first league game of the season against Blackburn. They have also been invited to a civic reception at Suffolk County Council's Endeavour House.

Suffolk’s Olympians include Elena Baltacha (tennis), Harry Martin (hockey), Anthony Ogogo (boxing), Goldie Sayers (javelin), Louise Jukes (handball) and Chris Walker-Hebborn (swimming).

Town chief executive Simon Clegg, who spent 20 years with the British Olympic Association prior to joining the Blues, latterly as their chief executive, said: "I've been privileged to have managed members of Team GB at many Olympic Games and I know the level of commitment, sacrifice and dedication needed in all sports to reach that level.

"We wish the athletes who are representing Suffolk and Team GB over the next two weeks the best of fortune and hope to see them here at Portman Road on August 18th.

"We also look forward to hosting, along with Suffolk County Council, the many torch-bearers from the county. They have been rewarded for their personal dedication by being nominated and selected to carry the Olympic spirit and this will be an opportunity to salute their achievements."

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

Photo: Action Images

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