The agreements are not just about securing local bases and facilities for acclimatisation and competition preparation. They also help fulfil the Olympic aim, "to unite the world through sport and education while inspiring youth" by getting teams involved with their local host communities in sport and culture.
Nine camps are currently agreed for London:
- The USA get as close to the Olympic site as they can, securing the brand new facilities at University of East London and at Score (Sports Club Orient) down the road in E10 (the Americans will also put their 'track and field team' in Birmingham, and their dive team in Sheffield).
- Ireland and South Africa have agreements with St Mary's University College at Strawberry Hill, Twickenham for use of their new £8.25m sports facility. China are slated to join them.
- Japan takes a base at Imperial College, South Ken to complement its main Loughborough University location.
- Brazil and Mexico will prepare at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
- Korea and Athletics Canada Paralympic team have both brokered deals with Brunel University, that will include use of the new Hillingdon Sports Centre and Leisure Complex in Uxbridge.
As well as snapping up our sports facilities, Olympic nations are also claiming prestigious London venues for their 'Olympic houses' - ie the party and PR venues. Team GB will entertain its VIPs Westfield Stratford City, with its huge London 2012 shop and views across the Olympic Park.
The British Paralympic Association have selected the University of Bath for our Paralympic preparation and Team GB will get ready for Olympic competition at Loughborough University.
