BU gears up for 2012

3 September 2008

BU experts play key role in research for 2012 Olympic Games.

Planning is underway for the 2012 Olympic sailing events in Dorset with BU researchers playing their part in the build-up.

As the region gets ready to host the sailing events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, various research projects are actively getting underway.

All eyes will be on Dorset as the sailing events – one of Team GB’s most successful medals haul at the Beijing Games – comes to Weymouth and Portland. Vital research is currently being undertaken to support this global event and our academics are playing a major part.

Our experts in business, sport, tourism, media and health are working together to consider the economic impact and tourism benefits of the Games in Dorset, as well as health and lifestyle factors that interest in the Games brings to the region.

Working with key organisations including Sport England, South West Tourism and 2012 Games-Team South West, activities already underway include seminars for the business community on maximising tourism potential and contract-bidding workshops.

Professor Armistead from BU's Business School said: “Through the ‘Sharing the Flame’ project, we’ve helped to raise the skills and expertise of small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the region as they bid for Olympic contracts.”

Richard Shipway, a member of our Centre for Event & Sport Research team and recipient of a Winston Churchill Fellowship to research the legacy benefits of Sydney 2000, has been in Beijing finding out more about the positive effect sport has on the community.

“Previous research findings indicate that London 2012 has the potential to act as a catalyst for sport development and the associated benefits, such as developing a healthy community, improving educational attainment and reducing anti-social behaviour,“ says Richard.