Heriot-Watt has been recognised by the London 2012 Olympic Games after arranging a series of sporting events aimed at inspiring students and staff to get involved and get fit ahead of this year's top highlight in the sporting calendar.
The Centre for Sport & Exercise at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has been awarded the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme. The programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Improving health & fitness through sporting events
Having recognised an opportunity to encourage more people on campus to improve their health and fitness, Catrin Dickson, Sports Union President, and Sarah McMahon, Exercise Development Officer, devised and organised a series of sporting events, which launched on 13 February and will run through until the end of term (30 March 2012).
Suitable for people of all fitness levels, the events include:
- a 365 mile challenge
- a Wii Fit 'Light your Flame' challenge
- the Watt Olympics
- a mini Sports Union team event involving volleyball, football, tennis, rugby 7s and athletics
Taking advantage of superb sports facilities
Catrin Dickson said of the award: "This is absolutely brilliant news and we're delighted that our efforts have been recognised in this way. The 2012 Games are gearing up to be such an exciting event that we were keen to use this as a way to encourage people to take advantage of the superb sports facilities we have on campus and to improve their own personal fitness."
Making positive lifestyle changes
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "The Inspire programme is insuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like the Watt Olympics are enabling people at Heriot-Watt University to make positive life changes."
The Inspire mark was presented to Heriot-Watt University by former Olympic champion, Jonathan Edwards, at an event held at the Spartans Ground in Edinburgh on Tuesday 14 February 2012.