Times Higher Education reports on senior university managers “getting in on the act” of carrying the Olympic torch, after Samsung allocated 3 places each to 31 universities.
The places were meant for people who “reflect the core value of the Olympic movement and the rich heritage of each institution” and were co-judged by universities and the sponsor. But those chosen include:
- Neil Gorman, vice-chancellor of Nottingham Trent University
- Manchester Metropolitan University’s vice-chancellor, John Brooks
- Paul Smith, deputy vice-chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University
- Chris Day, pro vice-chancellor for the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University
- Ian Campbell, Brunel University’s pro vice-chancellor for student experience and staff development (UPDATE: see comments and this follow up for more on his story)
Reporter Paul Jump notes that John Brooks does not have a nomination story on the official website, but that “Samsung’s website says he intended to “endorse” his institution’s support for the Olympics at one of its pre-Games training camps.”
In contrast, the University of the Arts London have given their six torchbearer places to students nominated by staff for dedication and participation, and Cardiff University’s three torchbearers are made up of two students and their head of sport.
Nottingham Trent University and Leeds Met have been equally keen to publicise the two students chosen to carry the torch – but not their respective vice-chancellors or deputy vice-chancellors – in these videos on their official YouTube accounts:
More on the process of how universities allocated torchbearers here.
I don’t know about the others but I think Ian fits the bill for what they were looking for pretty well: http://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/people/principal-officers/ian-campbell
I think you’re probably right, Alex. He’s certainly made a contribution to paralympic sport. Could you provide more details about how the torchbearer places were allocated at Brunel?
I’ve no idea how it was decided I’m afraid, but I believe the other two runners are both students – maybe ask @brunel2012 on twitter?
Thanks – have done.
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