Slovenia Gymnastics sign Kent Pre-Games Training Camp Deal

The Slovenian Gymnastic Federation has been signed up to train in Kent ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Pegasus Gymnastics Club in Maidstone will host the athletes and provide the world class facilities needed to prepare for the 2012 Games. Around 25 to 30 gymnasts from Slovenia are expected to visit to Kent in 2011 and 2012 to train and create links with local communities and residents, aiming to create an exciting sporting legacy for Kent!

A selection of Gymnasts from Slovenia recently took part in the Pegasus Open Gymnastics Competition at Maidstone Leisure Centre on 25, 26 and 27 June. Klemen Bedenik representing the Slovenian Gymnastic Federation, signed an agreement with Kent County Council Chairman Mr Bill Hayton at the Competition where Mr Hayton was also guest of honour.

In March 2008, Kent was recognised for having the highest number of venues in the country approved as possible Pre Games Training Camps for Olympians and Paralympians. With just two years until the opening of the Olympic Games, residents and young people across Kent can expect more international teams from around the world to sign up to train in Kent!

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee, said: "This is great news for Kent. The excellent sporting facilities in Maidstone and Kent will help the Slovenian team train and prepare well for the London Games. It will also lead to a strong relationship between Kent and Slovenia and the development of sporting and cultural ties. This also gives Kent a chance to get involved in the Games more closely and I congratulate all involved."

KCC Cabinet Member for Communities Mike Hill said: "It is a real honour to have this team coming to Kent. This 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 Slovenia as a result".

Kent has already signed agreements with other Olympic nations, including Ukraine and Belarus which signed Judo agreements last year to train in Kent leading up to the 2012 Games.

For more information on Pre-Games Training Camps in Kent please contact Chris Metherell at chris.metherell@kent.gov.uk.