Olimpic Games. Thailand signs up with Northwest

Thailand has become the first country committed to training its athletes at sports facilities in Northwest England ahead of the London 2012 Games. There will also be work to build strong cultural links between Thailand and the region, linking in to the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. As part of the understanding the World Academy of Sport, based at Manchester Business School, will also work to develop education programmes for sports authorities in Thailand, such as Sports Event Management courses. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the National Olimpic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) signed the

Memorandum of Understanding on Sport Cooperation with the World Academy of Sport (WAoS), the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and Manchester City Council. The Minister of Tourism and Sports for Thailand, H.E. Weerasak Kowsurat, said: 'By working together with the Northwest we will benefit from the vibrancy of this region and its people’s extensive knowledge and skills. We look forward to sharing in all that the Northwest has to offer as we seek to achieve our sporting ambitions.' 'Hosting teams is a great way for the whole of the UK to get involved in the London 2012 Games and the fact that this agreement is part of a wider initiative to forge relationships across education, sport and culture is terrific.

'We are delighted National Olimpic Committees are already considering the great facilities the UK has to offer and recognising our passion for sport.' Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committeesaid: 'This is great news for the Northwest of England. 'We know that Manchester has excellent sporting facilities and I am sure that athletes will be given a great welcome.