Tue 6th December, 2011
Staff and students at the University of Bedfordshire have been playing an important role in a handball test event, held in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.
The staff and students were in training for their role as Games Makers. The London 2012 Games Maker Programme has involved recruiting up to 70,000 volunteers who will make the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics happen. These people are called London 2012 Games Makers and they will have both specialist and general volunteering roles.
The group from the University spent five days helping to run the pre-Olympics handball test event where six countries competed for five days. The team undertook a variety of tasks at the event which drew large crowds and VIPs, including the Minister of Sport MP Hugh Robertson.
The team of University staff included: John Brewer, Director of Sport, Steve Pitt, Head of Sport, Mark Cousins, Academic Director and Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy, David Pears, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, Julia Lines, Sports Development Officer, Trevor Sinclair, Access Partnership Lead Officer, Michelle Morris, Recruitment Services Adviser and Sharron Mead, Student Advisor.
Ed Pickerin and Emma Faux, two students from the University, also took part.
Professor John Brewer said: “Our staff and students were part of the smaller and selected group of specialist volunteers, who will be undergoing specific additional training that reflects their roles at the forthcoming Olympic Games.
“The University of Bedfordshire was one of only a small group of UK universities invited to provide specialist volunteers for the Olympics, enabling the University to access the unique London 2012 Games Maker logo.
“It was a huge competition and every time I turned a corner, I could see a University staff member or student getting stuck in to make the event a success. From changing towels and handing out kit to ferrying athletes around, the team went above and beyond their duties.
“I am genuinely proud of them all – they played a pivotal role in the event and gave up many hours of their own time. The real prize comes next year when they’ll be at the heart of the action for the 2012 Olympics.”
Latest news» 2011» December» University staff and students step up to Games Maker test
