South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Deadline Looming for South East Sporting Venues to Bid for
2012 Games Pre-Training Camp Applications

12 December 2006

South East sporting facilities and venues are being reminded today that there are only 50 days to go before the deadline (31 January 2007) to be considered for inclusion in the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide for the London 2012 Games.

Pre-Games Training Camps will engage the whole country and spread the benefits of the Olympic and Paralympic Games throughout the UK. The training camps will provide a great opportunity for the nations and regions of the UK to host an international team of athletes, bring cultural, economic and sporting benefits to all parts of the country.

Work is well under way across the South East to prepare submissions. But there is still time for sports facilities to put in an application. A recent Sport England South East and South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) workshop on Training Camps proved very successful in raising interest and answering questions about the opportunities and advice that is available.  The information collected will also be used to support the South East's Major Events Strategy to bring other sporting events to the region.

SEEDA's Chief Executive Pam Alexander says: "The South East really does have a fantastic offer for visiting teams, with Heathrow – the world’s largest international airport - and London on the doorstep providing close proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic venues. The 2012 Games will be a unique chance to showcase the South East and offers huge opportunities for the region's economy. We are working to ensure the Games creates a positive and lasting legacy for the South East in terms of enhanced tourism offer, improved sporting and cultural facilities, a healthier population and stronger communities. Hosting Pre-Games Training Camps is just one way our diverse communities across the South East can get involved in supporting the Games and building a legacy for the future."

The South East will play host to the Olympic and Paralympics rowing and flat-water canoeing at Dorney Lake in Eton in 2012 and the region is already the home of international festivals such as Cowes Week and has the experience of hosting major events such as the World Rowing Championship as well as the Tour of Britain. Next year Kent will host the first stage of the Tour de France.

Sean Holt, Regional Director of Sport England South East added: "The South East has much to offer teams looking for Pre Grames Training Camps and SEEDA and Sport England South East are keen to support submissions from sporting facilities in the region in good time for the January deadline."

South East sporting facilities can assess their suitability for hosting Pre-Games Training Camps for Committees in the run up to 2012 by visiting the website www.london2012.com/trainingcamps. Sport England officers are able to offer applicants advice as they prepare their applications. Call Chris Davies on 020 7232 1905 for assistance.

Sporting facilities which believe they meet the standards for hosting a Camp must apply for inclusion within London 2012's Guide using the on-line submission form available. The relevant information is available on the website and sports facilities have just 50 days left to apply.