As reported on insidethegames earlier this week, a deal for the Jamaican team, including triple Olympic champion Bolt, to base themselves in the Midlands city for London 2012 is due to be officially sealed at a special signing ceremony in the city tomorrow.

A contract with United States Track & Field for their team to train in Birmingham was signed last October.

It means arguably the two highest-profile overseas teams due to compete at London 2012 will finish their preparations in Birmingham.

Whitby said: "This is another major coup for the city of Birmingham.

"We had the vision in 2006, as the first city to realise the potential of making the 2012 Games an event for cities across the UK.

"Now in 2010 I am delighted that we have shown the determination to see it through.

"We have achieved formidable success as, underpinning our reputation as the UK’s sporting city, Birmingham will bring the world’s fastest athletes [Jamaica] together with the world’s most successful track and field Team [USA].

"The move will no doubt enrich our cultural relationships with America and Jamaica, as well as enriching our own diverse communities, many of whom have strong links back to the Caribbean.

"Not only will this signing enhance our reputation as a global city, it will create a significant boost to the local economy – with conservative estimates suggesting the economic impact of the USA and Jamaican teams will exceed £15 million."

Jamaica’s athletes will be based at the University of Birmingham and director of sport Zena Wooldridge said: "There’s already a real buzz at the University and I think this deal offers a great opportunity of a real connection between Birmingham and the Olympic Games.

"Initially this has been driven by Birmingham City Council and the contacts they have built up over many years through hosting major sporting events.

"In this particular case I think the University was a very strong and obvious partner in terms of the range of facilities that we have on what is a very nice, leafy, green campus."

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Related stories
February 2010: Birmingham to sign official contract with Jamaica for London 2012
October 2009: Birmingham signs official contract with USA for London 2012