30 January 2012

University of Dundee Sports Union Granted London 2012 Inspire Mark

(Photo shows, l-r: Sophie Warburton: President of University of Dundee Sports Union; Iain kennedy: President of Dundee University Students Association; Jack McAulay: Vice President of University of Dundee Sports Union; Stuart Fitzpatrick: Deputy President of Dundee University Students Association.)

Dundee Celebrations 2012, a one-day event bringing the cultural and sporting aspects of this year's Olympics, has been granted the prestigious London 2012 Inspire Mark as part of the programme which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the Games.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said, "Dundee Celebrations 2012 is encouraging students to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as the University of Dundee we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in sport and culture."

Dundee Celebrations 2012 aims to turn the spotlight on the values of the 2012 Games outside of competition, such as participation, team work, community spirit, good sportsmanship, hard work and dedication. The event will showcase different cultures from Olympic and Paralympic participating countries. Alongside a cultural showcase there will be an opportunity for students and staff to try their hand at a variety of Olympic and Paralympic sports including a blind football penalty shoot out, rowing, sitting volleyball, tug of war and touch rugby 7's. The event aims to increase awareness of the Paralympic sports as well as encouraging participation and friendly competition.

ophie Warburton, President of University of Dundee Sports Union, said, "We are honoured that our event has been recognised by the Inspire mark. We see this as an opportunity to promote the rich cultural identities and the immense physical challenges that participation in the Games entails."

Dundee Celebrations will be happening throughout the University of Dundee Campus on Thursday 8th March 2012 10am-6pm. This event is open to the public is not a ticketed event and is free for all ages.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902