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First Lady Michelle Obama visits UEL en route to Olympic Opening Ceremony

Friday 27 July 2012

Michelle Obama

First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, paid a special visit to the University of East London this morning.

As part of the visit, she greeted members of Team USA and UEL Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick McGhee, at a breakfast briefing in SportsDock in honour of the athletes

Speaking to the Vice-Chancellor before the event, Mrs Obama described UEL SportsDock as a great example of an Olympic games legacy. They also discussed UEL’s work in supporting local children to become more active in Sport.

Professor Patrick McGhee said: “We were honoured and excited to welcome the First Lady to our campus during the Olympic Games. She is an inspirational figure with a track record of promoting better health through sporting engagement and raising aspiration generally. We are delighted to be hosting Team USA during the games and thrilled that the First Lady has joined us for this once in a lifetime experience.”

The First Lady will lead the presidential delegation to the opening of the London 2012 Games. While in London, Mrs. Obama and the delegation will attend the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, meet with United States athletes competing in the games, and encourage American children to be active in their daily lives.

UEL’s Docklands and Stratford Campuses 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 during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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.

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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