Olympic athletes training in Crawley

Crawley Borough Council is delighted to welcome Olympic athletes from three nations to train in the town.

World class athletes from the Bahamas, Grenada and Paraguay plan to use K2 Crawley leisure centre from 10-24 July to train for the Olympics, before heading to the Athletes’ Village in East London.

During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the team from the Bahamas will compete in both athletics 4x100m relays, while the Grenada and Paraguay Olympians are swimmers.

Final details of how many athletes will be training in Crawley is still to be confirmed.

Children, adults and families will be able to meet Olympians at K2 Crawley on 17 July, subject to their busy schedules. The free community event organised by Freedom Leisure also features official Olympic mascot Wenlock, the chance to have your photo taken with the Olympic Torch and to try out a range of sporting activities.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at Crawley Borough Council, said: "We are delighted to host the Bahamas, Grenada and Paraguay Olympic teams for their pre-Games training camps.

“Everyone will have a chance to meet these Olympians at K2 Crawley in the afternoon of 17 July, just a few hours after the Olympic Torch Relay comes through the town.

“I wish all of the athletes the best of luck at the London 2012 Olympic Games."

West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader Lionel Barnard said: “It has been a partnership effort to attract these countries to come to West Sussex, and to make the most of the exciting opportunity through our countywide initiative, West Sussex-Ahead of the Game.”

Chris Lovelock, Centre Manager at K2 Crawley, said: “We are delighted to be hosting these elite athletes and to be part of West Sussex County Council’s and Crawley Borough Council’s initiative in welcoming the teams here for their pre-Olympic training.

“K2 Crawley is a fantastic leisure centre so it’s great to be recognised by international Olympic committees.”