Fifteen Japanese sports, including Athletics, Hockey, Triathlon and Basketball, will use Loughborough University and selected facilities in the region between now and 2012.
The wide-ranging agreement will benefit the University’s research activity and teaching programmes, develop cultural and business links in the region and help raise Loughborough’s international profile.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee, said: 'Loughborough University has world class training facilities and it is excellent news that the Japanese National Olympic Committee have chosen to base themselves there in the run-up to the London 2012 Games. Hosting visiting teams is a great way for towns to get involved in our plans.
'There are many facilities available for National Olympic and Paralympic teams to chose from throughout the UK, offering an excellent selection. As someone who has studied and trained at Loughborough University, I know the Japanese team will have the best preparation possible for the London Games.'
This announcement marks the latest in series of substantial contribution being made by the UK’s universities towards London 2012. In addition to Loughborough, over 80 colleges and universities are listed in the official Pre-Games Training Camps Guide, with many expected to reach agreements with teams over the coming months.
Confirmed developments to date include Leeds Metropolitan and Sheffield University who are part of a consortium hosting Serbia’s athletes; Bristol University is already working in partnership with Kenya; and a number of universities in North West England are involved with agreements made with Thailand and the Pacific Islands of Oceania.
