Over 100 Pre-games Deals Signed
Over 100 Pre-Games Training Camp agreements (PGTC) have been signed across every region of the UK, in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The camps- organised, through formal agreements between cities in the UK, National Olympic and Paralympic Committees and international teams – will provide athletes with a base from which to prepare, train and acclimatise ahead of next year’s Games.
The vision of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Olympic Games, to unite the world through sport and education while inspiring youth, is recognised in the agreements, which represent an opportunity for cultural exchange, education and engagement alongside provisions for international sporting teams.
In many cases partnerships between PGTC hosts and participating countries have already begun, with cities adopting their countries to forge strong relations and developing exciting community engagement programmes.
In London St Mary’s has a new £8.25m sports facility to offer athletes from South Africa and Ireland, while Brunel University aims to host the Korean NOC, and several teams including Athletics Canada
The East Midlands plan to have two of the most high profile NOCs, with Team GB and Japan signed up to use Loughborough University, while Loughborough has already hosted preparation camps for Japanese athletes in various sports including Modern Pentathlon, Triathlon, Athletics and Wresting.
As part of this, students in the region are learning about Japanese culture through the Musubi Project which encourages young people to take part in traditional Japanese activities ranging from Taiko drumming and sushi making to learning languages and sport.
The West Midlands hope to host USA and Jamaica, using their newly renovated Alexander Stadium and the Birmingham University campus.
Seb Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: ‘Training Camps are essential preparation for the London 2012 Games. Each facility will provide a vital service to ensure athletes can prepare for competition in 2012 while engaging their local community with sport and culture.’
Hugh Robertson, minister for sport and the Olympics added: ‘We have always been determined to make the 2012 Games not just about London, but the whole of the UK. Offering 100 training camps across the country highlights the many world class sporting facilities that can be used by athletes from around the World. I am sure that all the athletes will be given a fantastic, warm welcome.’
