London 2012

Inspired to ‘Be a Champion’

Published 10 July 2012

The University of Brighton submitted its ’Be a Champion’ project in December 2011 to the Inspire programme decision-making board of the London 2012 Games. The university was extremely pleased to be awarded an Inspire Mark.

The Inspire programme officially recognises projects that have been inspired by London 2012 and have created opportunities for millions of people to feel part of the Games and get involved in activity spanning sport, education, culture, volunteering and sustainability. Projects that are awarded the Inspire mark are allowed to officially link themselves to the Games in a way that no previous Olympic or Paralympic Games has made possible. Across the UK only 2,500 projects have met the standard required to be called an inspired project and have been given the honour of being allowed to use the Inspired by London 2012 logo.

The Be a Champion initiative has reached over 800 participants across all five campuses.

The university’s ’Be a champion’ project has been running since October 2011 and each month has seen a different Olympic challenge for University of Brighton students. The focus for each activity has been about taking the challenge to the students in non-conventional sports environments to try and engage students that are not already involved with the university’s sport and recreational programme.

Chart showing participants at different 'Be a champion' events

To date the campaign has reached over 800 participants across all five campuses. The highlight of the programme so far has been a small-sided football tournament which saw representation from 19 teams. The tournament was given an international feel with students choosing a country to represent – reflecting the true community engagement qualities of the Olympics.

Seb Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “‘Be a champion’ is encouraging students to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Sport Brighton, we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in recreational and competitive sports.”