With 200 days now remaining until the London 2012 Olympic Games, another four countries have signed Memoranda of Understanding to formalise their agreement to prepare for the Games in Wales.

The latest four countries to commit to basing their pre-Games training camps in Wales are: the Botswana National Olympic Committee, Lesotho National Olympic Committee, Liberia National Paralympic Committee and Mexican Paralympic Committee. The announcements follow the recent decision by Athletics New Zealand that they will train in Wales which has been supported by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: “With 2012 now upon us and with 200 days left until the world’s biggest sporting event takes place on our doorstep, I’m delighted that we are able to make this announcement. The decisions reflect the hard work put in by the Welsh Government and its partners over the past few months and shows that Wales has the kind of facilities and sporting infrastructure that Olympic and Paralympic teams are looking for.

“Pre Games training camps will also provide opportunities to develop sporting, educational and cultural exchanges with countries that come to Wales and provide opportunities for children and local communities to get involved, resulting in a positive Games legacy for Wales. “

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: "It’s great to hear that National Olympic Committees and National Paralympic Committees from Africa and the Americas are continuing to develop strong relationships with Wales to aid their training in advance of London 2012. It’s a great opportunity for the nations to develop sporting, educational and cultural links that last beyond the Games. I wish the teams and their Welsh colleagues all the very best in their preparations for London 2012.”

It is anticipated that teams from at least 19 countries will train in Wales in the lead in to the Games involving close to 1,000 athletes and support staff with a direct investment into the economy running into millions of pounds.