Universities Week (30 April – 7 May) report showcases the impact of universities’ research and sport development around the Olympic and Paralympic Games
A new report highlights just some of the many ways in which research has helped Team GB limber up and prepare for London 2012. The report, Supporting a UK success story: The impact of university research and sport development, shows how research taking place at universities across the UK is helping to give athletes that extra split second or millimetre advantage which can mean the difference between gold and silver medals in competitive sports.
Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive, Universities UK, said: “It is sometimes easy to forget when you watch an athlete or team compete just how much preparation has gone into their performance. This isn’t simply a question of training schedules and practice. These days, cutting-edge university research is used to support every aspect of Olympic sports – from nutrition and health to equipment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and of course performance. For instance, the combination of design and technology can be immensely effective for top athletes so that the actual design of a kayak or bob-sleigh can be as important to athletes and their own skill and training.”
From the science behind athlete hydration to the regeneration of East London, home to the Olympic Park, the report takes a journey through the research and sports development that sits behind the lasting impact of London 2012 on the UK. Throughout the report, issues of endurance sit side by side with examples of urban regeneration and the history of sports medicine to demonstrate the diverse ways in which the whole of UK society benefits from the work of universities supporting the sports industry and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
An important aspect of London 2012 is the legacy it will leave behind. The report features examples of how sports development initiatives within UK universities are encouraging greater participation in sport.
Karen Rothery, Chief Executive Officer, British Universities & Colleges Sport, said: “Sports development within our universities is encouraging greater participation in sport and activity across the student population and with the communities of universities. A variety of programmes and the support and development of a supporting workforce in volunteers and officials means that more people have the opportunity to be more active and enjoy the many benefits that brings.”
The report takes an in-depth look at how science and research in the areas of technology, health and wellbeing, design, sport development and participation and the past and present and future of the Games, have contributed to London 2012 and to the UK sports industry.
Professor Rick Rylance, Chair of Research Councils UK (RCUK) said: “Research has long been instrumental in helping UK athletes improve their performance. This new report showcases some wonderful examples of how this might contribute to success in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, sometimes in surprising ways. Beyond the summer, these innovations will help the London 2012 legacy in terms of benefits to British sport and, hopefully, the wellbeing of us all.”
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said: “The UK’s world leading research at our universities will make a significant contribution towards what I hope will be a record-breaking Olympic Games this summer.
“It is important that we celebrate our knowledge and expertise as well as the sporting prowess of our top athletes. From the research that goes into understanding and improving the performance of our athletes to the science that underpins developments in sports equipment, universities help our country and top athletes to achieve success.”
Copies of the full report are available on request from universitiesweek@fourcommunications.com and for download here.
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
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Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Jane Wakefield
Notes to editors
To find out more about Universities Week visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk or join in with debate on Twitter #UniWeek and #BUCSChamps
Sporting stars talking about importance of university careers available for media use from www.youtube.com/universitiesweek2012
About Universities Week 2012: a partnership by Universities UK, the representative organisation for the UK’s universities, and BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport), the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK. It is supported by universities across the UK and a wide range of organisations including Podium, the National Union of Students, Research Councils UK, the Universities Marketing Forum, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and many more.