JERSEY Special Gymnastics Club members Samantha Godel and Harry Smale are to have a photo shoot with England football team goalkeeper David James next week!

But that’s just a small taste of treats to come as the pair are joining up with the remainder of the Great Britain team who on Tuesday will head off to compete in the 12th Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai between 2 and 11 October.

James, a Special Olympics ambassador, will give the GB team words of support – together with SOGB chairman Lawrie McMenemy MBE – before the group of 157 athletes board their flight for the far east.

Some 7,000 athletes are travelling to China where they will compete in 21 sports.

Jersey and GB artistic gymnastics squad head coach John Grady said: ‘Samantha and Harry are really looking forward to it now, they are a bit nervous and a fully expected that with such a big competition ahead.

‘But they have worked extremely hard in the preparation, I believe they could be among the best prepared of the group and I’m expecting them to both do well.

‘Our aim at every competition we take part in is to qualify for the top groups on all pieces and the pair’s medal chances are realistic.

‘Their marks at recent competitions have been good and barring a fall or mishaps I’ve every confidence in their ability.

Obviously I want them to perform at their best and hopefully they will.’ Godel (16) has been competing for eight years having joined the Jersey club as a junior.

She has now progress to Level 3 which is the highest of the set routines in the Special Olympics.

Her strongest pieces are the floor and beam.

The Jersey duo were successful at the European Youth Games in Rome last year where Godel won five goals and Smale three gold, two silver and a bronze.

The first few days away will be spent experiencing the Chinese culture and training in preparation.

The opening ceremony for the six-day event is on 2 October.

The JSGC have been supported by the Carousel Dancing School, Help a Jersey Jersey Child and the James Roberts Memorial Trust, the major supporters of Jersey gymnasts’ World Games campaign.

Grants have also been received from the Sports Advisory Council, training camps at Westhill Hotel, Jersey Mencap and Education, Sport and Culture.