University of Cambridge looks towards London 2012 Games

The event, hosted at Sidney Sussex College, explored opportunities for skills and development surrounding the Olympics and Paralympics in London.

Representatives from many of the University's sports organisations joined with the East of England Skills and Competitive Partnership (EESCP) to look at potential developments from the global sporting event.

A key theme of the event was the need for the involvement of higher education institutions to help secure long-term benefits for universities, the community and the economy.

The event looked at opportunities for student volunteering, skills development, training camps, sports facilities and business ventures. There will also be a unique chance for the University to bid for contracts associated with the Games.

Attendees heard presentations from a number of skills and business support organisations including Business Link East of England and the Association of Universities of the East of England.

Karen Beckwith of EESCP said: “We're delighted that the event was such a success. In 2008, we'll be looking to build on this by engaging more widely with higher education and further education institutions across the region to raise awareness about all that the London 2012 Games have to offer.”

Members of the University included Debbie Lowther Chair of the University of Cambridge Sports Syndicate, and Tony Lemons, Director of Cambridge University Physical Education along with presidents of several sports clubs.

The event was organised by Shai Vyakarnam, director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL), part of the University's Judge Business School.

EESCP bring together skills and development groups in East Anglia to stimulate growth and increase jobs helping individuals and businesses in the region.

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