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Olympics, sport, medicine and immortality on the agenda at universities conference

Thursday 20 March 2008

With the advent of the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and London 2012 on the horizon, leading historians, medics and sociologists are set to explore the lessons of ancient Olympians, physicians and warriors at a major conference on March 28-29.

Sports, medicine and immortality: From Ancient China to the World Wide Web is organised by the University of East London (UEL) in partnership with the British Museum and the Wellcome Centre for History of Medicine at UCL.

Keynote speakers include Dr Jan Stuart of the British Museum, Professor Susan Brownell of the University of Missouri, Dr Karen Lock of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Mike Brace, UEL governor and Chair of the British Paralympic Association.

The conference takes place at the British Museum and Queen Mary, University of London, and focuses on longevity and immortality in the ancient worlds and after-worlds. Day two will explore the modernization of ancient sporting and body cultivation traditions, as well as offering opportunities to build links between the cultural, health, wellbeing, and regeneration legacies of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Professor Adrian Renton, Director of UEL’s Institute of Health and Human Development, will lead the exploration of how critical appraisal of the history of sports, body cultivation and sports medicine can contribute to our shared experience and understanding of health.

Professor Renton said: “Ancient regimen and techniques may seem remote, yet they often attempt to resolve issues that are common to us all. This forthcoming conference aims to address three key issues: the health equation of Olympic games past and future; the perfection and healing of body and soul; and the positive delivery of future legacies in cultural regeneration, societal cohesion, health and wellbeing.”

UEL’s Institute of Health and Human Development brings together expertise across the university to carry out research on health and wellbeing and their social, economic and culturaldeterminants. For further information, visit www.uel.ac.uk/ihhd.

Sports, medicine and immortality will take place at the British Museum on Friday 28 March and at Queen Mary, University of London, on Saturday 29 March. For further information, contact Emma Griffin on emma.griffin@ucl.ac.uk.

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

University of East London: London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Office

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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