Media FAQ
- How is UEL involved in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games?
- What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and Team USA?
- Why did Team USA choose UEL as its main training base during the London 2012 Games?
- Which Team USA athletes will be using SportsDock during games-time?
- Does that mean the likes of Michael Phelps and Tyson Gay will be visiting UEL during the London 2012 Games?
- Are the Team USA using all of the facilities at Sports Dock during their Olympic preparation?
- Will Team USA be using SportsDock during the London 2012 Paralympic Games?
- When is Team USA due to arrive at UEL?
- How does the cooperation with USOC work - will Team USA use other facilities across London or solely those provided by UEL at their Docklands and Stratford campuses?
- Given the fact Team USA officials and athletes will be on site at UEL during the London 2012 Games, what security arrangements are in place?
- We've heard rumours that ground to air missiles will be deployed at UEL's Docklands Campus as part of the government's anti terrorism strategy during the London 2012 Games?
- Is it true that timber from a protected part of the Tasmanian forest was used to help construct the basketball court in SportsDock?
- Will the Docklands and Stratford Campuses be closed to students during the London 2012 Games?
- Is it true that the 2011/2012 academic year has been shortened?
- What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and ASICS?
- What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and British Swimming?
- What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and LOCOG?
- What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and Team Singapore?
- What will happen to SportsDock following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games?
- What facilities does SportsDock offer?
- Has UEL funded SportsDock on its own, or have Team USA or any other outside body also provided funding?
- When is SportsDock due to officially open?
- What are the opening times of SportsDock?
- Will UEL students get to use SportsDock before the Olympics (and presumably it is closed to students and general public during Olympics)?
- What benefits will SportsDock bring to students at UEL, and sports in east London?
- Will any UEL students be taking part in the London 2012 Games in a sporting capacity?
- Will any UEL students be taking part in volunteering schemes during the London 2012 Games?
How is UEL involved in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games?
UEL is a games-time host for Olympic and Paralympic partners. These partners include ASICS, British Swimming, The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), Team Singapore and Team USA.
UEL is located in the heart of east London, where there is a multi million pound regeneration project taking place. UEL is an ambitious sports universitylocated minutes away from the Olympic Park and has a distinct ambition to become the number one university for sport in London by 2015.
Much of our teaching and research related to sport is based at UEL Stratford including sports science, exercise physiology, podiatry, physiotherapy, psychology and teacher training.
What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and Team USA?
UEL’s Docklands and Stratford Campuses, which are both located close to many of the main Games venues, will be Team USA’s main base for athlete training, performance services, staff and training partner accommodation, catering, media and logistical operations.
Approximately 1,000 Team USA athletes and staff will use UEL’s new £21million state of the art SportsDock facility on a daily basis throughout and prior to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Why did Team USA choose UEL as its main training base during the London 2012 Games?
As a map of the London 2012 Games took shape, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) visited London to establish the best location for their training camp. It became clear that following previous Olympics, the university campus model would be an ideal solution. This strategy also worked well alongside the University of East London’s aspiration to become the number university for sport in London by 2015.
An agreement between both UEL and USOC was signed during USOC’s 2010 Annual Olympic Assembly in Colorado Springs.
Which Team USA athletes will be using SportsDock during games-time?
Taekwondo, Wrestling, Fencing and Basketball will be main sports based there. However, all US athletes may at any time use the facility especially for our specialist fitness and strength and conditioning rooms.
Does that mean the likes of Michael Phelps and Tyson Gay will be visiting UEL during the London 2012 Games?
While we cannot offer any specific information about the athletes’ training schedule, SportsDock will act as the main hub for athletes taking part in strength and conditioning training.
Are the Team USA using all of the facilities at Sports Dock during their Olympic preparation?
Most of the rooms are being used by the USOC. Some rooms are still occupied by UEL.
Will Team USA athletes sleep in UEL accommodation during the London 2012 Games?
No, athletes will be situated in the Olympic and Paralympic Village.
Will Team USA be using SportsDock during the London 2012 Paralympic Games?
Team USA will also be processing its Paralympic teams from SportsDock.
When is Team USA due to arrive at UEL?
USOC will arrive at UEL between Friday, 6 July and Monday, 9 July. Following the end of the Paralympic Games on Sunday, 9 September, Team USA will begin their departure of UEL.
How does the cooperation with USOC work - will Team USA use other facilities across London or solely those provided by UEL at their Docklands and Stratford campuses?
USOC have many more partners around games time, but UEL is their main and most dedicated site. They are also using Leyton score and Hackney lido for instance.
Given the fact Team USA officials and athletes will be on site at UEL during the London 2012 Games, what security arrangements are in place?
The security of staff, students and visitors to our university is of paramount importance. We are in close contact with a range of civil authorities concerning the security arrangements leading up to and during the London 2012 Games. As a university, we are extremely conscious of our obligation as a host venue during this period. Given the sensitivities of these issues, it would be inappropriate to disclose the nature of these discussions.
We’ve heard rumours that ground to air missiles will be deployed at UEL’s Docklands Campus as part of the government’s anti terrorism strategy during the London 2012 Games?
The security of staff, students and visitors to our university is of paramount importance. We are in close contact with a range of civil authorities concerning the security arrangements leading up to and during the London 2012 Games. As a university, we are extremely conscious of our obligation as a host venue during this period. Given the sensitivities of these issues, it would be inappropriate to disclose the nature of these discussions.
Is it true that timber from a protected part of the Tasmanian forest was used to help construct the basketball court in SportsDock?
Having reviewed this matter, we are satisfied the material was sourced from a company with the appropriate environmental credentials and we have the relevant documentation to support that. The University is totally committed to making sure the £21million SportsDock facility is an environmentally friendly development and that this new facility has the best mix of sustainable materials and features. The International Basketball Federation has very clear specifications about what type of materials should be used when constructing a court – including flooring - which will be used by professional basketball players. Following this guidance and consultation with the relevant consultant for this development, the material was sourced.
Will the Docklands and Stratford Campuses be closed to students during the London 2012 Games?
At this stage, there is no intention to formally close either campus to students.
We are fully aware that both campuses are located in Olympic zone. Given the anticipated pressure on public transport we are provisionally moving the calendar year around so that students do not miss any teaching time. And so that all students have sat exams before the Olympic Games period begins.
We would strongly discourage students from accessing the campuses during the Olympic Games period (27 July – 12 August) due to the disruption expected in east London and ask that any students wishing to do so should register their request with the appropriate school registrar.
Is it true that the 2011/2012 academic year has been shortened?
We are fully aware that both campuses are located in Olympic zone. Given the anticipated pressure on public transport we are provisionally moving the calendar year around so that students do not miss any teaching time. And so that all students have sat exams before the Olympic Games period begins.
However, it is important to stress that the academic calendar has not been shortened in any way.
What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and ASICS?
ASICS will operate its brand centre at UEL’s Stratford Campus during the 2012 Olympic Games. The ASICS brand centre, which will serve as the heart of all ASICS’ activities during the Games, will be housed in the university’s Great Hall, one of Stratford’s best preserved buildings.
What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and British Swimming?
British Swimming signed an agreement with UEL to house representatives in residential accommodation at the University's Docklands campus during the London 2012 Games?
What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and LOCOG?
LOCOG signed an agreement with UEL to house unaccredited members of the Chinese media in residential accommodation at the University's Docklands campus during the London 2012 Games.
What is the nature of the relationship between UEL and Team Singapore?
The Team Singapore recovery centre will be based at UEL’s Stratford Campus and will provide high performance athletic services to their athletes competing at the London 2012 Games. In addition, the recovery centre will also house the Team Singapore Athletes’ Lounge. UEL will also provide accommodation for medical support staff during the Games.
What will happen to SportsDock following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games?
Following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, SportsDock will be returned to use as a state of the art sports facility for local residents, students and staff at UEL.
What facilities does SportsDock offer?
SportsDock will offer a host of world-class facilities including; state-of-the-art 120 piece fitness centre, two large multi-court sports arenas, dedicated strength and conditioning room, dance and aerobics studio, two outdoor 3G 5 a-side football pitches and a café.
SportsDock will be one of London’s largest multi-court sports space. The list of sports available at SportsDock will include badminton, basketball, volleyball, netball, futsal, handball, martial arts, table tennis, trampolining, archery and football.
Has UEL funded SportsDock on its own, or have Team USA or any other outside body also provided funding?
UEL have funded this £21 million facility, with some grants coming in from London Marathon Trust, Mayors Legacy fund and England Basketball.
When is SportsDock due to officially open?
SportsDock is due to officially open in March 2012.
How much will it cost to join SportsDock?
Membership ranges from £4 - £40 a month, much the same as a membership at a local authority leisure centre, and there are three membership options to choose from. More information will be available mid-February.
What are the opening times of SportsDock?
SportsDock will be open to the public from 6:45 to 10:20pm, seven days a week, 362 days a year, and can offer flexible and affordable rates for individuals, clubs and organisations. The centre has received funding from England Basketball and the London Marathon Trust, and will become the home for the successful Newham All Stars Sports Academy (NASSA).
Will UEL students get to use SportsDock before the Olympics (and presumably it is closed to students and general public during Olympics)?
Yes we expect to open before the games for all our user groups (students, staff, public etc). There will be no usage for these users during the Games. We will reopen during paralympic games though.
What benefits will SportsDock bring to students at UEL, and sports in east London?
Fitness, sports participation, club membership, increased student satisfaction, improved health and wellbeing, courses, leagues, learn to play sessions, competition, spectator opportunities, employment, volunteer opportunities, qualifications, fun and excitement…….. to name but a few.
Will any UEL students be taking part in the London 2012 Games in a sporting capacity?
While it is still too early to speculate, we are hopeful that some of our current sports scholarship students make the selection for Team GB and other teams.
Will any UEL students be taking part in volunteering schemes during the London 2012 Games?
UEL is maximising opportunities available through London 2012 to offer our students and graduates games-time work and give them a head start in the market place. A number of our students and graduates will have paid and voluntary placements during games-time including Capture the Event, The Retail People, Bridging the Gap and working as games-makers.
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