Jeff Thomson, the technical director for men’s artistic gymnastics at Gymnastics Canada, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the club, having agreed to use the venue as their base in the build up to the Games.

Canada first welcomed to Waveney in September 2009 when the men's team spent 10 days there in preparation for the 2009 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, held at the O2 Arena, the same venue will be used for London 2012.

The club is one of only a few to be wholly equipped for men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics with Gymnova equipment, the named equipment manufacturer for gymnastics at London 2012.

Thomson said: "Gymnastics Canada is very pleased to be returning to the Waveney Gymnastics Club for its final preparation camp leading into the 2012 Olympic Games.

"The team enjoyed tremendous hospitality and service from the club during its training camp there prior to the 2009 World Championships in London.

"That service and hospitality, combined with a world class facility, made it the obvious choice of where to train during the crucial final weeks of preparation for the Olympics."

During their 2009 visit, the Canadian delegation took time out to visit the town of Lowestoft and its beaches, and were delighted at the arrival of local school children to one of their training sessions, to cheer them on with flags and books of welcome. 

Centre manager Vikki Rogers said: "This is fantastic news for Waveney.

"We are delighted to welcome the Canadian squads back to our facility, and look forward to a lasting legacy as a result of their visits, to inspire the young people in our community and develop real sporting opportunities as a result."

Canada sent eight artistic gymnastics to the Olympics in Beijing but failed to win a medal.

They are the second overseas team to sign a deal to train in Suffolk.

In March Azerbaijan agreed with Ipswich for its full team to train there.

Suffolk 2012 coordinator Adam Baker, who has worked closely with Waveney Gymnastics Club, was delighted with the latest deal.

He said: "This great news for Waveney Gymnastics Centre, for Lowestoft and for Suffolk.

"Having some of the top gymnasts in the world training and preparing for the Olympic Games in Suffolk is incredibly exciting.

"I have no doubt that it will inspire everybody concerned and help connect local people to the greatest show on earth.

"The hard work put in by Waveney Gymnastics Club has really paid dividends."

Last week the Pegasus Gymnastics Club in Maidstone signed a deal for Slovenia to train there.

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