University's Olympic efforts rewarded

A partnership including Sheffield Hallam University has won an outstanding achievement award for bringing a variety of cultural and economic benefits of the Olympic Games to the people of Sheffield.

The University, in partnership with Sheffield International Venues and Sheffield City Council won the Outstanding Achievement in Sports, Hospitality and Tourism award at the Sheffield Business Awards, on Friday 1 February.

The award recognised the contributions made by the three organisations to bring opportunities to Sheffield as a result of London 2012.

As a result of the partnership, Sheffield secured more than £30 million of income through hosting Olympic training camps in world-class facilities, providing sports science support for elite athletes and other Olympic-related events and services, including the torch relay which brought 100,000 people out into the city.

The University's contribution was made up of the sport science, engineering and technology services which its research centres provided to a number of Team GB squads, and the opportunities for students to take up over 200 volunteer roles at the Games, which was more than any other UK institution.

Guy Masterman, head of sport and chair of the University's Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, said: "The long-term strategic thinking of the three organisations ensured that lasting links with international athletes, governing bodies, central government and LOCOG were created on the run-up to London 2012. These links brought significant commercial rewards to the city and ensured that Sheffield is now considered a global player in providing world-class sport facilities and services."

And there was more success for the University at the awards, as Sheffield Hallam business studies graduate Lewis Bowen picked up the Young Business Person of Year award for his venture, Geco Industries, which creates a cleaner, safer fuel source for developing countries.

Lewis, who graduated in 2011, said: “Through the University's Enterprise Centre I was able to gain support and advice to give my business the springboard it needed to succeed in a competitive industry. It's an honour to receive this award and to gain recognition for what my team and I have achieved.”

The Sheffield Business Awards are an annual celebration organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the city’s business success.

The image above shows (l-r): Mark Allen, Group Director of Napoleon’s Casino [award sponsor]; SIV’s Lorenzo Clark; Guy Masterman from Sheffield Hallam; and Councillor Leigh Bramall.

For press information contact: Ally Mogg on 0114 225 2811 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk