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Student Unions to appoint London 2012 ambassadors

A new scheme was launched yesterday to encourage at least 20,000 college and university students across the UK to participate in activities related to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Podium, the FE and HE unit for the 2012 Games, joined forces with the NUS to launch the ‘Be a Champion’ scheme, which is being funded by Olympic sponsor Coca-Cola and the Higher Education Funding Council For England (HEFCE).

More than 100 students’ unions are expected to appoint a Student Ambassador under the programme to highlight the opportunities available to learners, ranging from sport volunteering, to culture and community participation.

Susan Nash, NUS Vice-President (society and citizenship), said: “Students have a long history of volunteering in their university and college towns and this is an opportunity for them to help make the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games memorable and ensure a lasting legacy of community involvement.”

Jon Woods, Coca-Cola’s country manager for GB&I, said: “We’re delighted to be working with NUS to help create excitement about the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games among the UK’s students.

“London 2012 will be a once in a lifetime experience and we’re keen to make sure as many young people as possible take up their chance to be a part of it.”

The Be a Champion scheme will also provide training and Kitemark accreditation for the unions, creating an Olympic legacy for after the Games have passed.

Susannah Fairbairn


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