TWO polio sufferers from the third poorest nation on earth have thanked Brentwood for its kindness and generosity as they prepare for the Paralympic Games.
Wheelchair racers Nikiema Kadidia and Gasbeogo Lassane have been a regular sight in the town since they arrived from the small west African nation of Burkina Faso on August 6.
Since then, the pair, who both live in the capital Ouagadougou, have been putting in countless miles on Brentwood School's athletic track ahead of their road race events at the beginning of September.
The pair are part of a two-person national team – one of the smallest taking part in the Games – who have been living at the Grange, in Queens Road.
Nikiema, who will be competing on a handcycle in the women's H4 road race over 48km and the H4 time trial over 16km, will be carrying the flag at the opening ceremony on August 29.
The 32-year-old, who lost the use of her legs after contracting polio aged four, is hoping to reproduce the form that crowned her African champion in 2009.
She said: "It's wonderful. Brentwood has been so generous and it's really beautiful.
"It has been really great. The people have been so kind and hospitable."
Nikiema added: "It's my first time at the Paralympics but I am just delighted to be here and competing against other nations of the world."
The borough is far removed from tiny Burkino Faso, which relies heavily on agriculture and where the average wage is around $300 a year.
So stretched are the team's resources that they have to share their hand-powered cycle, that itself was paid for by the US.
Gasbeogo is no stranger to the thrill and pride of taking centre stage.
The 26-year-old, who contracted polio aged two, competed in Beijing four years ago but is hoping to improve on the disappointment of coming last at that showing, where he was Burkino Faso's sole athlete.
He has been churning out 160-lap circuits of the school's 400m track as he trains for the men's 64km H4 road race and the H4 time trial.
He said: "The problem in Beijing is the equipment we had just wasn't good enough, but the bike we have now is much better."
He added: "We are just a small team – there are only two of us competing – but we are so proud to be representing our country."
Cycling is now the third largest sport on the Paralympic programme.
The events will take place at Brands Hatch in Kent between September 5 and 8.
Head teacher Ian Davies said: "The school has a proud sporting tradition and the use of our facilities by such dedicated and inspiring athletes will provide encouragement to both our pupils and the whole community."
In the run-up to the Olympic Games, the running track was used by modern pentathletes from across the world as they prepared to compete.
The school was one of a handful of official training venues for the London 2012 Olympic Games, providing facilities for four of the five modern pentathlon sports: épée fencing, pistol shooting, 200m freestyle swimming and a 3km cross country run.
