Bournemouth University

School of Tourism

Relays project shortlisted for award

Date: 4 October 2010

The BU Relays

Relays project shortlisted for award

A community project supported by staff and students from Bournemouth University

A community project supported by staff and students from Bournemouth University has been shortlisted for a prestigious Times Higher Education award.

The Regional Educational Legacy for Art and Youth Sport (Relays), which aims to inspire and up-skill young people ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category in the Times Higher Education Supplement Awards 2010.

More than 200 staff and students from across BU have so far volunteered their time, helping to run and support a variety of festivals, events and activities to promote the engagement of young people in all aspects of community life.

Staff from BU’s renowned School of Tourism have integrated Relays into students’ learning programmes, allowing them to plan, co-ordinate and run events as part of their Sports and Events Management studies.

BU is working in collaboration with 10 other universities as part of Universities South West, which is leading the project, and more than 45,000 young people have already been engaged in activities across the region.

Virginia Bailey, Relays School Events Co-ordinator at BU, said:Relays has received massive support from the School of Tourism, which is one of the reasons it has been such a success. I’m really pleased that we have been shortlisted. I think it is a credit to all the hard work that has gone on, both at BU and across the region.”

Dorothy Fox, Events Management Unit Tutor in the School of Tourism, said: “Relays has offered a very rewarding opportunity for BU students to contribute to the legacy of the Olympics. Additionally, they have gained practical experience of organising or researching events which will enhance their employability on graduation.”

Emma Mosley, a second year Sport Psychology and Coaching Science student, said: “The Relays training gave me lots of new and interesting ideas for coaching and increased my overall confidence, leadership and coaching ability. Being involved in Relays has widened my experience as a coach and has sparked a passion for further volunteering.”

The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards 2010 were announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on Thursday 25 November.

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