Olympic nations queue up to come to Wycombe (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Olympic nations queue up to come to Wycombe

3:30pm Friday 30th October 2009

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FOUR countries are considering basing themselves in High Wycombe for the London 2012 Olympics – with more expected to declare their interest soon.

Colombia, Malawi, Papua New Guinea and Zambia have already visited the town to weigh up its facilities.

And Ian Barham, Bucks’ manager for the 2012 Games, says more teams are expected to come to Wycombe to check out what is on offer.

They have been attracted by the judo and badminton centres, the accommodation and facilities at Bucks New University as well as the rowing facilities at Longridge.

But the region could be set for an even bigger boost as it bids to attract some of the world’s best athletes.

The 50m Olympic-size swimming pool at the Handy Cross Sports Centre could be set for a stay of execution – which would make the region a major attraction for several countries.

There are only 15 Olympic-size pools in the country and only four in the South East at Wycombe, Ealing, Crystal Palace and Aldershot.

The future of the High Wycombe pool had been hanging in the balance, but the final decision on its future now looks likely to be delayed until after the Games.

Meanwhile, Bucks residents will mark tomorrow’s 1,000 day countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games by undertaking a series of 1,000 metre challenges.

People across the region will celebrate the countdown by running, walking, rowing or cycling the distance.

Others will be completing 1,000 seconds, which works out as 16 minutes and 40 seconds, of housework or gardening to mark the event.

The main focus of the countdown will be in the Events Hall at the Bucks New University tomorrow.

Starting at midday, the students will be competing to try and score a combined total of 1,000 points in basketball, volleyball, netball, dodgeball and badminton.

They will also be holding a triathlon with all disciplines taking place over 1,000m.

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