Japan has indicated that its athletes and teams will use university facilities in 15 separate Olympic sports, from athletics to weightlifting.  Loughborough University boasts training facilities for 22 of the 26 London 2012 sporting disciplines in addition to leading sports scientists, coaches, support staff and excellent transport links to the Olympic Park.

Seb 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.'

The agreement formalises Japan’s intention to send hundreds of athletes and staff to the University over the next three years, leading up to the 2012 Games.  The University hopes the agreement will benefit its academic research activity and teaching programmes, improve the student experience, develop cultural and business links in the region and help raise Loughborough’s international profile.

Loughborough University Vice Chancellor Shirley Pearce, who will sign alongside Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda said, “We are delighted to be able to announce Japan as the major nation basing themselves at Loughborough in the run up to the London Games.”

Pearce noted the wide ranging benefits to the university, adding “There will be major cultural, academic and economic benefits arising from working with Japan.  We are already in discussions to ensure University staff and students, the local Charnwood community and the wider East Midlands all gain from this new relationship.”

The signing of the MoU follows a process of negotiations including other regional partners such as the East Midlands Development Agency.  This agreement follows those already announced between Bristol and Kenya, North West England and Thailand and the Pacific Islands and Yorkshire and Serbia – all including FE and/or HE partners.  It is expected that more international delegations will enter into agreements with some of the 84 colleges and universities listed in the official pre-Games training camp guide over the coming months.

For more information of London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camps, visit: www.london2012.com/trainingcamps