Ukraine and Belarus to Train in Kent for 2012!
On Monday 21 September, the Belarus and Ukraine Judo Federations signed up to train in Kent ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The agreement is the largest pre-games training camp deal in the South East region and is only the second multi-nation agreement to be signed in the UK.
Athletes from Belarus and Ukraine will make their final preparations for the 2012 Games at the excellent facilities at Tonbridge Judo Centre. The two nations are also expected to train in Kent during 2009, 2010, 2011 and young members of the Tonbridge Judo Centre will also have the opportunity meet and train alongside the Olympic athletes, leaving a fantastic sporting legacy for Kent.
Oleksandr Nagibin (Ukraine) and Uladzimir Yemelyanau (Belarus) represented the two nations' Judo Federations at an exclusive signing ceremony held at County Hall in Maidstone. Kent County Council Chairman John Davies was present alongside Chris Bowles from Tonbridge Judo Club and Mark Organ from Tonbridge School, where the two teams will stay.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of London 2012, said, “This is great news for Tonbridge and Kent. These facilities will help the athletes train and prepare well for the London Games. It also gives Tonbridge a chance to get involved in our plans and feel the excitement of the Games.”
KCC Cabinet Member for Communities Mike Hill added, "It is a real honour to have these teams coming to Kent. These high profile nations will give local people the chance to see elite athletes training and staying in their local area, something which is very exciting ahead of 2012. We are very keen to build tourism, cultural, educational and sporting links with Belarus and Ukraine as a result.”
In March 2008, Kent was recognised for having the most venues in the country approved as potential Pre-Games Training Camps for Olympians and Paralympians.
For more information on Pre-Games Training Camps in Kent please contact Chris Metherell at chris.metherell@kent.gov.uk.
