The event was hosted by Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, ParalympicsGB chairman Mike Brace, Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell and Sandie Dawe, the director of strategy and communications at VisitBritain, and was attended by representatives from National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from all over the world.

 

The Pre-Games Training Camp Guide contains 175 sporting venues and facilities throughout the UK which meet the standards required to host Paralympic teams and athletes in the run up to the London Games in 2012.

 

Published online, the Guide outlines different venues from all over the country which are suitable training bases for each of the 20 Paralympic sports in 2012 as teams prepare for the Games.

 

Developed by London 2012 and VisitBritain, the website showcases the quality and variety of sport facilities in the UK capable of hosting elite Paralympic athletes.

 

NPCs choosing to base their athletes at one of these training camps are eligible to receive a financial award of up to £25,000 from London 2012 to assist with costs relating to the camps.

 

Coe said: “We said that we wanted the London Games to be for athletes, and the facilities listed in this Guide will really help overseas athletes prepare well.

 

"It also provides a great opportunity for towns throughout the UK to get involved in our plans.

 

”The process we have been through shows a great spread of high quality accessible facilities throughout the UK that can be used by elite level athletes.

 

"The new website will continue to be an asset to keep an up-to-date log of the elite facilities we have across the UK .”

 

Jowell said: “The whole of the UK has the chance to be involved in 2012, and for the nations and regions there is no better opportunity than through bidding to host the Olympic and Paralympic Training Camps. 

 

"Olympic and Paralympic teams from around the world can have the opportunity to train and prepare in world class facilities all round the UK .”

 

Phil Lane, the Chef de Mission of Britain's Paralympics team, said: “Paralympics GB is delighted to have worked in cooperation with VisitBritain and LOCOG to host our fellow NPCs at tonight's event - to mark the launch of the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.

 

"Pre-Games Training Camps are a critical factor in the success of Paralympics GB and the facilities available throughout the UK will greatly assist our fellow NPCs as they prepare for the London Games.”

 

Dawe said: "Britain is one of the world's top sports destinations, with world-renowned events and venues in every nation and region of the UK.

 

"We are also a very inclusive and accessible destination, which prides itself on catering for every type of visitor.

 

"The Paralympic teams and their supporters who come here to train and compete in 2012 can be assured of a world class welcome."

 

The event was also attended by representatives from Wales and seven of the English regions of the UK - East of England, East Midlands, North East, North West , South East, West Midlands and London.