Proving that there are benefits to be found in every corner as we head towards 2012, Waltham Forest Council has inked a deal that will see the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) using local facilities for their Uniform Distribution Centre during the Games.

The AOC will use the borough’s Construction Skills Centre in Leytonstone from 2 July to 12 August to store, allocate and distribute uniforms and equipment to the 2012 Australian Olympic Team.

As well as hiring the facility, the AOC will also fund 10 ‘Boxing Kangaroo’ sporting bursaries for local athletes and have committed to working with local schools, volunteers and young people as part of the Council’s pledge to help Waltham Forest residents make the most of the Olympic year.

Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Chris Robbins, said: “It’s a real testament to the unifying power of Games that something as simple as handing sports kits can bring Londoners together with top athletes from the other side of the world.

“I’m delighted to welcome the Australian Olympic Committee to Waltham Forest, and I know our residents will be sure to give them a warm welcome and be as happy as I am to work and learn alongside them as we sprint towards the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

AOC Secretary General Craig Phillips said: “We are very pleased to join with Waltham Forest to use the Construction Skills Centre to distribute our Team’s uniforms in 2012.

“Over 400 of Australia’s best athletes will go through the Centre in London where they will be kitted out in green and gold, a memorable and exciting step in their Olympic campaign. The AOC is also excited that they can support the local community, make a positive difference through the ‘Boxing Kangaroo’ bursaries and provide an ongoing legacy to Waltham Forest. ”

Fact file:

• Waltham Forest is an Olympic Host Borough comprising Walthamstow, Leyton, Leytonstone and Chingford. It is served by the Central and Victoria lines.

• The £7.6m Waltham Forest National Skills Academy for Construction opened its doors to budding tradespeople-in-the-making in Winter 2010, offering local people the chance to learn valuable construction skills and acquire practical training.

• The site will be occupied by the AOC from 2 July - 12 August and, while no construction skills training will take place during this time, those studying will be able to carry on their classes at other locations.

• The AOC have agreed to hire the facility and will also be funding ten sporting bursaries for local athletes. The AOC have also pledged to work with the Council to provide educational, training and fund-raising opportunities during their time in Waltham Forest.

• Waltham Forest has big plans to celebrate the Olympic Year and will be offering residents six amazing free events to help residents make the most of 2012. Find out more here: http://www.walthamforestbig6.co.uk