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Source: Birminghamnewsroom.com

News that Jamaica's track and field athletes will prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games in Birmingham has been welcomed by senior members of the Jamaican government.

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange held talks with a Birmingham delegation led by Leader of the Council Mike Whitby this week.

And, speaking after President of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) Howard Aris confirmed Usain Bolt and co will be heading for the West Midlands, she enthused: "I am happy that we have made this move.

"The stakeholders from Birmingham had visited me in Jamaica and introduced me to the facilities, and I was impressed. I am particularly excited because 2012 will be Jamaica's Golden Anniversary (of Independence) and I am already in discussions with the Birmingham City Council to see how we will make the occasion special in the city.

"In addition, a very strong sporting and cultural legacy will result from this, and I believe it is very good news for Jamaican athletics."

Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett added: "Birmingham is a city that has always been close to Jamaica. There are many Jamaicans living in Birmingham and they have sold Jamaica well.

"We will be working closely with the leaders in Birmingham to build our base there and to improve tourist arrivals from that city. I expect to meet with them soon to explore the possibilities."

It was City council leader Mike Whitby who completed a successful trip to Berlin with the news that Jamaica Track and Field will use Birmingham as a training camp ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Jamaican Amateur Athletic Association President Howard Aris confirmed an agreement had been reached after two days of talks with a council delegation led by Cllr Whitby, ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

Confirmation of the Jamaica deal means Birmingham can look forward to hosting the fastest man on the planet Usain Bolt and his team mates ahead of the 2012 games.

Aris said: "Birmingham representatives came to Jamaica earlier this year and we've been very impressed with what the city has to offer. So I'm delighted to announce that the Jamaica Track and Field team will be using Birmingham as their training location in 2012."

Cllr Whitby added: "This is terrific news for the whole city and underlines our efforts to play a significant role in 2012.

" We came here hoping to sign a memorandum of understanding with Jamaica but we've gone one better and it's exciting for the whole of Birmingham to think that such a high profile team will be based in our city."