Winchester sports stadium is already attracting interest from athletics teams in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics.

The university-owned stadium is on the shortlist for the Tunisian paralympics team.

Tunisian representatives Ahmed Belazi and Marouene Ghali visited Winchester to check for themselves the quality of the sporting facilities and support on offer for a possible 50 athletes.

Tommy Geddes, deputy vice chancellor of the university, said: “We welcome all international partnerships. We’re pleased the Tunisian Paralympics Team 2012 has decided to look at the city as a possible venue for a pre-games training camp.

“I’m confident that Winchester can compete on a global scale, providing first rate sporting facilities alongside a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.”

The purpose of the camp is to allow athletes to recover from their journey and acclimatise to the conditions so they can prepare both mentally and physically for the Paralympics. As well as looking around university accommodation, the ambassadors toured River Park Leisure Centre before visiting Winchester Sports Stadium at Bar End.

The ambassadors had lunch with the mayor, Richard Izard, at his official residence in Abbey House, accompanied by other staff and Members of Winchester City Council.

“As a city council, we are committed to making the most of all the opportunities presented by the London Olympic and Paralympic Games for people who live in the Winchester District,” said Cllr Therese Evans, Deputy Leader of Winchester City Council who was one of the welcoming party at Abbey House.

“Attracting a training camp would make the Games more 'real' for those who live here, and provide a great focus for some cultural and community celebrations.”

Winchester Sports Stadium cost £3.5 million and the project was managed by the University of Winchester with support and money from Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and Winchester and District Athletic Club.

A county council spokeswoman said: “At the moment, the University has been shortlisted as a possible venue for 2012 pre-games training, the Ambassadors for the Tunisian Paralympics Team have visited the stadium but as yet nothing has been signed or agreed.

“We do not at present know what the terms of any agreement would be but the university would ensure the best arrangement for the team involved and the local community. No other nations have expressed interest at this stage.”