Sénégal has informed the organising committee of the Special Olympics World Games that it will not be sending a team to this month's event in Ireland.
It is understood the African country will not be taking part because of organisational problems at home.
A delegation of eight from Sénégal was due to take part in the host town programme in Ballygar, Co Galway.
The organisers of the World Games are now trying to find a replacement observation team to take part in the Ballygar programme.
A spokesperson for the Special Olympics commitee in Ballygar said locals were disappointed that the Sénégal delegation was not coming to Ireland.
