The camps are arranged through formal agreements between facilities in the UK and National Olympic and Paralympic Committees (NOC/NPC) and international teams. 

They provide athletes with a base from which to prepare, train and acclimatise ahead of the Games.

The agreements represent an opportunity for cultural exchange, education and engagement alongside provisions for international sporting teams, Coe claimed.

London offered a Financial Award of up to £25,000 ($40,000/€30,000) to every NOC and NPC who sends a team to prepare in approved Pre-Games Training Camps in the UK, a move designed to encourage teams from across the world to use local facilities for their UK preparations. 

"Pre-Games Training Camps were recognised during the bid as an essential part of an athlete's preparation for the London 2012 Games," said Coe, who has been attending the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly here. 

"I am delighted that 93 NOCs have signed up to use so many different locations.  

"Over 50 per cent of them have 10 athletes or less and we want to give as much assistance as we can to these smaller teams.

"Each venue will provide excellent facilities and a vital service to ensure athletes can prepare properly for the biggest sporting events of their lives.  

"The Games is about engaging and inspiring young people and I urge teams to go out and meet their local communities when they come to train. 

"I know they will get a warm welcome."

When London 2012 made the offer to help fund training camps during its bid in 2005 it caused huge controversy with its rivals, led by Paris, complaining that it breached the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) ethics rules.

London withdrew the offer as part of its bid commitments but following its victory pledged to honour its promise.


The deals range from the high-profile, such as the United States track and field team training in Birmingham, where more than a hundred athletes and officials are expected to finalise their preparations for London, to the much more low-key.

These include the British Virgin Islands agreeing a deal to train in the tiny Hertfordshire village of Aston.

Coe urged countries who are setting-up camps in Britain to make the use of the opportunity.

"It is now up to you to make sure you engage the local community and really help spread your message," the London 2012 chairman told the audience, which included the representatives of more than 200 NOCs.

"This is a fantastic once in a life time opportunity for both you and them."

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