The city of Reims and the British Olympic Association [BOA] have agreed to a partnership that will see Team GB athletes train, prepare and acclimatise in the French city in the run up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
An official reception took place today with BOA Chair, Sir Hugh Robertson, BOA Chief Executive Officer Andy Anson and Mayor of Reims, Arnaud Robinet all in attendance.
The agreement includes a commitment by all parties to create a programme for exchanging cultural experiences and expertise to help ensure a lasting legacy of international sporting presence for the region.
Two-time Olympic trampoline medalist, Bryony Page, also joined the Team GB delegation in Reims and was able to visit the trampoline hall where she will hope to train as she vies to compete in her third Olympic Games in Paris.
The reception took place at the City Hall following a tour of UCPA Sport Station Grand Reims where Team GB’s swimmers will be based, as well as a visit to the boxing and gymnastics facilities at the Complexe René Tys.
Ideally located just a short journey away from the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis in Paris, the training facilities in Reims will provide world-leading venues for some of Britain’s brightest hopes to hone their talents in the immediate run-up to the Games.
Arnaud Robinet, Mayor of Reims, said: “Labelled the Terre de Jeux 2024, the city of Reims has seen eight of its sporting venues selected as preparation camps for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Looking past the undeniable quality of these venues, Reims stands out because of its quality of city and quality of life, which offers athletes the perfect environment to train and unwind.
It is these qualities that have enabled our city to attract one of the greatest Olympic nations in the world. We are both proud and delighted to welcome Team GB swimmers, gymnasts and boxers to the Complexe René Tys and the UCPA Sport Station, Grand Reims.”
Sir Hugh Robertson said: “We are delighted to be here in Reims to announce this important element of our Preparation Camp plans for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“The support we’ve had from the city has been outstanding, and we are confident that this is a partnership that will be mutually beneficially for both Reims and Team GB.”
Andy Anson added: “We have seen from the past two summer Games the fundamental importance of securing world-class training venues for our athletes, who feedback consistently on the positive impact of these facilities on their performances.
“The facilities we have secured in Reims for our swimming, boxing and gymnastics teams will play their part in ensuring those sports are highly competitive at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
The Reims partnership is the second such agreement in as many days for Team GB, having previously announced plans for athletics, football, rugby and hockey to be based at Saint-Germain-en-Laye for their final preparations.