It was agreed in February 2010 that teams from Barbados will use K2 Crawley, and other local sports facilities, for training camps in both the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic Games next
 year and the Pan American Games later this year.

The President and General Secretary of the BOA Steve Stoute and Erskine Simmons, joined representatives of Crawley Borough Council and West
 Sussex County Council at the Arora Hotel to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: "We're both excited and proud for Crawley to be hosting the team and
 getting this kind of international approval says a lot for the town's excellent leisure facilities.

"We've developed a great relationship with the BOA and they've already used our facilities, and others in the area, for their netball and
 hockey teams.

"This isn't just about a few weeks in 2012; we're looking to build educational, cultural and sporting links with Barbados over the
 next few years.

"
During their stay, sports science and sports medicine support will be on offer from the University of Chichester, which has played an active role
 in preparing medal winning Olympic athletes since 1988.

A range of local businesses will also provide other support services.



West Sussex County Council Cabinet member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: "Today's ceremony officially celebrates the 
partnership between Barbados, Crawley and West Sussex in the lead up to the London 2012 Games.

"Through working with the Barbados Olympic Association, we are forging new links which will produce many benefits for years to come.

"West Sussex-Ahead of the Game is continuing to demonstrate to nations the benefits of using the county as a base for their training in the 
lead up to London 2012."


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February 2010: Barbados picks Crawley for London 2012 training base