Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Crystal Palace National Sports Centre will be the training base for Brazil’s Olympic team during the London 2012 Games.

Up to 200 Brazilian athletes will use the local facilities. The sports centre will house all members of the Brazilian delegation not accredited to the Olympic Village such as doctors, assistants coaches and physiotherapists, forming the headquarters for Brazil during the London Games.

The agreement was signed by Carlos Nuzman, President of the Rio 2016 organising committee and the Brazilian Olympic Committee, and Crystal Palace operators GLL Sport Foundation.

Mr Nuzman said: “Signing this historic agreement is a major step in the preparation plans for Team Brazil in 2012, while also laying the foundations for Brazil’s planning for the 2016 Games.”

London Development Agency chief executive Peter Rogers said: “This is great news for London. By coming to Crystal Palace, Brazil’s Olympians will enjoy some of the best sporting facilities in Britain as they prepare for London 2012.

“The London Development Agency has invested over £17m bringing the National Sports Centre up to modern international standards. This investment is now being enjoyed by world class athletes and the local community alike.”

The athletes’ presence will provide cash injection for local businesses during the Olympics. Besides football, Brazilian Olympic team is known by its basketball, beach volleyball, diving, swimming and taekwondo competitors.