Kent to host international athletes ahead of London 2012

Beach volleyballKent is said to have more sports facilities able to host international athletes ahead of the London 2012 games than any other county, following the announcement that 31 across Kent and five from Medway have been selected as potential pre games training camps.

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has chosen the facilities to be included in the guide to be distributed to teams during the Beijing Games later this year. Athletes in a range of sports can then choose to stay and train in Kent before competing.

Kent County Council's Sport, Leisure and Olympics Service carried out detailed assessments of Kent's facilities, put them forward to LOCOG and worked with them over the past year to ensure they meet the strict criteria to host athletes of international standard and have the correct facilities. The Kent Campaign for 2012 Games, led and managed by KCC, will continue to promote those which were not included, to prospective visiting countries via its website and publications.

KCC Cabinet Member for Community Services Mike Hill said:"I am really delighted that Kent has been recognised so highly as a county able to host athletes of Olympic and Paralympic standard and congratulations to all those who were chosen. We are reaching a very exciting stage in welcoming teams from a range of sports, visiting and training in Kent ahead of the Games. This opportunity will promote Kent on a global scale and bring a real boost to tourism, the local economy and result in sporting, educational and cultural exchanges."

Sound IconClick this link to hear the BBC Radio Kent interview with Chris Hespe, Kent County Council's Head of Sport, Leisure and Olympics Service and Hugh Robertson MP, Shadow Sports Minister (requires Flash Player)

Which Kent Facilities are listed in the London 2012 Guide?

The Kent facilities included within the Guide to be issued by LOCOG to international Olympic Committees worldwide in Bejing in Summer 2008 are:

Ashford

  • Chilham Park
  • Great Chart Golf Course
  • Julie Rose Stadium
  • Stour Centre

Canterbury

  • Christchurch University
  • Canterbury Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
  • Polo Farm Hockey Club
  • St Lawrence Cricket Club
  • Canterbury High School
  • University of Kent at Canterbury

Dartford

  • Arrow Riding Centre
  • Dartford Judo Centre
  • Princes Park Stadium

Gravesham

  • Meapa Gymnastics Club
  • Nursted Court Equestrian Centre

Sevenoaks

  • Brands Hatch
  • Penshurst Off Road Circuit
  • Sevenoaks School

Tonbridge and Malling

  • Angel Centre
  • Tonbridge School
  • Hadlow College

Thanet

  • Margate Beach
  • Marlowe Academy

Maidstone

  • Maidstone Leisure Centre
  • Pegasus Gymnastics Centre
  • Sutton Valence School

Tunbridge Wells

  • Bedgebury Pinetum
  • Bewl Water
  • Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre

Dover

  • Deal Gymnastics Centre
  • Fowlmead Country Park

Medway

  • Gillingham FC
  • Howard Table Tennis Centre
  • Jumpers Rebound Centre
  • Castlemaine Badminton Centre
  • Medway Park

For more information about the facilities listed please visit the facilities map on the Kent 2012 website (currently 15 of the 36 are listed. In time all of the chosen faciltiies will be detailed)