Pre-Games Training Camp Guide launches

The reception was hosted by Sebastian Coe, Chair of London 2012, British Olympic Association Chairman Lord Moynihan, VisitBritain Chief Executive Tom Wright and Olympics Minister Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP. Representatives from over 100 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) from all over the world, as well as representatives from more than half of the International Sports Federations attended the launch.

The new website - created with VisitBritain - outlines details of over 600 high-class facilities across the UK offering their services as training venues for international teams in the run-up to the London 2012 Games.

NOCs who choose to base their athletes at one of the training facilities will receive a financial award of up to £25,000 from the London 2012 Organising Committee to help with expenses.

London 2012 Chair Sebastian Coe said: 'We said that we wanted the London Games to be for athletes, and the facilities listed in this Guide will really help overseas athletes prepare well. It also provides a great opportunity for towns throughout the UK to get involved in our plans.

'The process we have been through shows a great spread of high quality facilities throughout the UK that can be used by elite level athletes. The new website will continue to be an asset to keep an up-to-date log of the elite facilities we have across the UK.'

The event was also attended by representatives from Northern Ireland, Wales and the nine of the English regions of the UK - East of England, East Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West, Yorkshire and London, many of whom are part of a delegation led by VisitBritain to promote Britain to a global audience as host nation of the 2012 Games.

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