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Paralympic Chair Mike Brace OBE takes on new challenge as UEL governor

Wednesday 19 July 2006

British Paralympic Association Chairperson Mike Brace OBE has joined the Board of Governors of the University of East London.

Mr Brace was elected Chairperson of the British Paralympic Association in 2001 and was Head of Delegation at the 2002 winter Paralympics and also at the 2004 Paralympic games in Athens.

Mr Brace said: "as an East Ender, I am very pleased and honoured to have been asked to serve on the board of the University of East London. The provision of good quality educational opportunities is crucial for all in society and I hope to play my part in supporting the university in successfully meeting this challenge."

Mike Brace was born in Hackney in 1950. He went to a local school and spent as much time playing sport as he did on his academic work. He lost his eyesight in a firework accident at the age of 10, and over the last 40 years he has taken part in more than 50 different sports, ranging from surfing to sailing and skiing to cricket.

He first represented Great Britain in cross-country skiing at the Winter Paralympic Games in 1976 and then went on to represent his country at three World Championships, six Paralympic Games and two European Championships. He also managed the British Cross-Country Ski team from 1988 to 1994, was Chef de Mission of the British team at the 1998 Winter Paralympics in Nagano, Japan.

Dr Marie Stewart, Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of East London, said: We are

delighted to welcome Mike Brace to our Board.  He brings a range of experience and skills and we look forward to working with him.  We know that he will make a valuable contribution to our development.

UEL is now rated in the top ten universities nationwide for Sports Science, according to the Guardian, and is particularly strong in community and disability sports development. UEL is developing partnerships with other leading universities to establish a new sports partnership in Stratford linking elite sport with grass-roots activity in the run-up to, during and after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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