Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Ambassador to deliver sporting chance lecture
Myles Wickstead CBE, an expert in international development who previously worked at the Head of Secretariat to the Commission for Africa (CfA), will discuss the links between sport and development and will look at sport's strong claim to be higher up the international development agenda.
As part of the UK Olympic bid, an 'International Inspiration' programme was established to reach 12 million children in 20 Olympic partner countries. The programme is part of the international legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has already seen around 79,000 teachers, coaches and young leaders being trained to lead sport, physical education and play in their schools and communities. The programme aims to create long-term, transformational change for young people around the world through and beyond London 2012.
Myles' seminar Africa: a sporting chance will examine the effectiveness of this programme in the African continent and will take place at the University's Headingley Campus in Caedmon G12 on Thursday 26 April at 12.00pm.
Event organiser, Professor Rhodri Thomas from the Carnegie Faculty at Leeds Metropolitan University, said: "As the London Olympics draw closer, the prospect of seeing the world's greatest athletes in action becomes ever more exciting. But sport is not just about being the best; it is also about participation and self-realisation. It can be a powerful tool forgetting across crucial life-messages and for empowering those who might otherwise be marginalised and disadvantaged. Myles's seminar will show how sport can be a powerful tool forgetting across crucial life-messages and empower those who might otherwise be marginalised and disadvantaged."
The Chinese Olympic Committee has chosen the City of Leeds as its training camp base for over 300 athletes prior to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Approximately 40 athletes and officials will be based at the University's Headingley Campus as they train and acclimatise to the conditions in England shortly before the Olympics begin on 27 July.
A number of Leeds Metropolitan University students and alumni will be hoping to compete at London 2012 including Commonwealth Gold medallist Johanna Jackson, Triathlon World Champion Alistair Brownlee and synchronised diver Sarah Barrow.