Honorary doctorate for Olympic chief

The key man behind the organisation of the London 2012 Olympic Games will receive an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in November.

Paul Deighton, chief executive of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), will receive the award at a graduation ceremony at Sheffield City Hall. He will also meet students and academics from the University's Academy of Sport and Physical Activity.

Deighton was nominated for managing the process of delivering the Olympic Games with skill and expertise, and for endorsing the University's 200 Olympic media centre Games Makers. In October 2011, he toured Sheffield Hallam's sports facilities and took part in a press conference with some of the University's student volunteers, who went on to be part of the Olympic Press Operations team at London 2012.

LOCOG's Press Operations team worked with sport academics from Sheffield Hallam to develop a unique set of media modules. Students who took the modules as part of their course were given the opportunity to apply for an internship and other roles with LOCOG.

Talking of the course modules LOCOG created with academics from the University's sport development courses, Paul Deighton said: "This is the most significant partnership we have with any educational institution in the country by a long way. It's fantastic for us because we get terrific people, who are highly motivated and very well trained.

"And what better way for students to be entering the workforce and to be looking for a future career than to have had this kind of experience integrated into your education. It seems to me that it's a partnership that works superbly for both sides."

Paul Deighton will receive his honorary doctorate on Thursday 15 November, at 3pm in the Memorial Hall at Sheffield City Hall.

Speaking of the honorary doctorate, Paul Deighton said: "Having been a part of the partnership between the University and LOCOG, I am very pleased to be recognised in this way by Sheffield Hallam. I look forward to sharing the stage with all the hard-working students."

For press information contact: Joe Field on 0114 2252074 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk