The announcement was made at Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club in the presence of Gustavo Satio Harrada and Sergio Motta, representing the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB). 

Andy Wood, the head coach of the club, revealed that negotiations had been going on for two years.

It is a very exciting time for us at Pipers Vale and for the whole of Ipswich," he said. 

"The idea has snowballed from two years ago, and we are extremely proud to have been chosen.

"There aren't many centres around the country that have been selected for things like this and at the last Olympic Games the Brazilian team came sixth, so we are so pleased to have them with us."

Located on the south east side of Ipswich, the facility boasts a purpose built gymnastics centre of the highest quality, with two halls, dance studio and classroom/meeting room and catering facilities

Brazil sent a team of 13 gymnasts to the last Olympics in Beijing, one male and 12 women.

The best performance came from Daiane dos Santos, who finished fifth in the floor discipline. 

A Brazilian gymnast has never won an Olympic medal. 

"We are excited to be in Ipswich and signing the contract has been great," said Harrada, the head of performance at the COB. 

"The venue was an easy pick for us because it was perfect for our requirements."

Brazil will join Azerbaijan, who signed a deal with Ipswich in March 2010 to train in the Suffolk city.

John Stebbings, Ipswich Borough Council's project manager for 2012, welcomed Brazil's decison.

"This confirmation is really good news and we congratulate Andy Wood and his team at the gymnastics centre," he said.

"With Brazilian gymnasts joining Azerbaijan's athletes here for training ahead of the Games, it shows Ipswich is going to be the focus of a lot of attention in 2012.

"Meanwhile, we are busy building cultural and tourism links with Azerbaijan and look forward to a fantastic build-up to the London Olympics."


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