The University of Greenwich has been named as an official host venue for the London 2012 Games.
Next summer, the university’s Students’ Union building will be part of the Greenwich Park venue for the Games, providing management facilities for competitions there. Greenwich Park will host equestrian sports, along with running and shooting in the modern pentathlon. Based by the gates to the park, the Students’ Union is a listed neo-classical building, sitting within the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, Professor David Maguire, says: “We are honoured to have been chosen to work in partnership with LOCOG to help deliver the London 2012 Games. This builds on the university’s long-standing commitment to the Games, and the involvement of our teaching, research and consultancy staff, as well as students and graduates. There is a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic Games on campus and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world next summer.”
The President of the Students’ Union, Arun Thakral, says: “The Students' Union is thrilled to have this once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a part of such a prestigious event. We will be encouraging students to get the most out of it by taking part in the many initiatives on offer, including our own Sports Day. "
University activities related to the Games include student volunteering and training in language and cultural awareness. Both these projects have won an “Inspire” mark from LOCOG, recognising them as “accessible, participative, inspiring and stimulating” initiatives inspired by London 2012.
The university’s Business School has become a centre of expertise in the legacies of Olympic Games, hosting a series of international conferences. Other academic staff are leading research in related areas as diverse as sports science, drugs in sport, community involvement, urban regeneration, crowd management and emergency planning.
Cultural initiatives include a special season with a sporting focus at the university’s Stephen Lawrence Gallery, which will start next year, and production workshops enabling local youngsters to produce films inspired by London 2012. A range of volunteering and internship opportunities is open to students and the university’s residential accommodation and conference facilities are available for corporate hire during the Games.
For further information, please contact:
Caron Jones
Head of Public Relations
University of Greenwich
020 8331 8248