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UEL strengthens ties with Russian International Olympic University

Friday 3 June 2011

The University of East London has forged an exciting and dynamic working relationship with the Russian International Olympic University.

The Russian International Olympic University is a new educational institution, which is responsible for training staff for the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, and preserving the Games’ legacy. The university will also provide multi-faceted training for sports managers.

UEL recently welcomed a special delegation from the newly established university to the London Docklands Campus. Professor Lev Beloussov and Dr Nikolay Peshin met with key figures including UEL Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick McGhee and Director of the 2012 Office, John Lock, to discuss how both universities can work together in collaboration.

The University of East London is at the heart of east London, where there is a multi million pound investment and regeneration taking place. UEL is located only 10 minutes from the London 2012 Olympic Park and has established itself as a key stakeholder in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and become an integral part of the post-Games regeneration and development plans. At the same time, both universities share a clear ambition to deliver a sustainable sporting legacy after the 2012 and 2014 Games have finished.

As part of the visit, they learnt how UEL is striving to attract elite athletes from a range of sports to train, compete and study at UEL. The Student Athlete Scholarship Scheme (SASS) at UEL is one of the most attractive in the United Kingdom and supported by UEL’s flexible academic policy for elite athletes.

UEL also used the visit as an opportunity to talk about the brand new state-of-the-art £21 million UELSports Dock, which is due to open at the London Docklands Campus March 2012. SportsDock will boast a range of facilities, including multiuse games areas, two large multi-court sports halls, a state-of-the-art gym, high-performance strength and conditioning centre, 3G football pitches, a dance studio, a sports café and social areas. It will also offer services, such as fitness testing and sports coaching, and will serve as the main base for the US Olympic and Paralympic teams during London 2012.

At this current time, UEL is particularly keen to attract highly competitive and successful young basketball players who wish to enter under its popular scholarship scheme. The scheme offers part or full remission on fees, accommodation, cash bursary and a number of athlete support services. Prospective scholarship students can expect basketball coaching of the highest level and the potential to represent UEL in both National League and British Basketball League competition.
Professor Lev Beloussov, Chief Executive Officer of the Russian International Olympic University, said “We want to have the best teachers and the best modules and to provide students and Games staff with the best experience possible. It’s quite evident that UEL is fast becoming a first choice for many sports students performing at the highest level and we wish them every success.”

Professor Patrick McGhee, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London, said: “This is testament to how far UEL has come in terms of its standing on both an academic and sporting level. We want to be the number one university for sport in London by 2015 and this clearly shows we are moving in the right direction. I look forward to further developing the strong working relationship between these two Olympic universities; I’m sure we will both learn many things in the process.”

The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) recently signed an agreement with UEL to work together to explore a range of community, education and enterprise activities after the London 2012 Games have finished.

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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