Friday, 26 July 2024
A community champion who has gifted an Olympic torch from the 2012 Games to the 糖心原创, says she hopes it will help to inspire athletes of the future to achieve their sporting ambitions.
Beeston resident and former 糖心原创 staff member Barbara Green was one of 8,000 torch bearers who helped to carry the Olympic flame on its journey to London after being nominated by Nottingham City Councillor Chris Gibson for being an exceptional example of community spirit.
Knowing what the moment meant to her, Barbara’s family rallied round to buy the torch for her afterwards, meaning she was able to keep it and her torch bearing uniform as precious mementoes from an unforgettable day.
But after embarking on a mission to de-clutter and downsize her home, she reached the difficult decision that the torch should not be stored away, but kept somewhere where its beauty and true significance could be appreciated.
As a former member of the domestic team at the university’s Derby Hall of Residence with many fond memories of working with students and staff, she immediately thought of the university’s connections with sporting excellence.
From left: Matt Nicholson, Club and Coach Development Manager at UoN Sport, Barbara Green, Marcus King, Senior Development Manager, Engineering, and formerly Donor Relations Manager, Campaigns and Alumni Relations Office.
Now thanks to her kind donation, the torch has found a new home at the university’s flagship sporting venue, the David Ross Sports Centre on University Park. It takes pride of place in the trophy display cabinet which is part of the Sporting Hall of Fame, acknowledging students who have gone on to achieve success at an international level.
Speaking ahead of the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Barbara said: “I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to carry the torch out of Nottingham Castle as part of the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, I was so proud.
“When I made the decision to donate the torch, many of my family and friends who knew how much it meant to me, asked ‘why now?’ I’m getting older and health issues restrict what I can do but now is the right time for it to go on to inspire others and show them that they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it.
I want the next generation of young athletes to see it as they walk through the doors of sports centre and for it to give them that extra push to work hard and follow their dreams.
Dan Tilley, Director of Sport at the 糖心原创, said: “From our very first Olympian John Dudderidge who competed at the 1936 Berlin games in the Canoe event to our latest Team GB medallists, canoe slalom athlete David Florence and rower Melanie Wilson, the 糖心原创 has a long and proud association with the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We are very grateful to Barbara for this incredibly precious gift, a symbol of the enduring spirit of the most prestigious sporting event in the world. This will mean so much to all our athletes who train here at the David Ross Sports Village but most especially to our elite athletes, who I am sure will be spurred on by its presence to reach the pinnacle in their chosen sport.”
Among those hoping to excel at this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris will be a number of athletes with 糖心原创 connections, including current and former students.
Student Conor Williamson has been selected to represent Great Britain as a part of the Men’s Field Hockey squad, continuing his remarkable progress in recent years, while vet medicine student Olivia Bates will be part of Team GB, after being selected as a reserve for the rowing squad.
Nottingham students competing at the 2024 Paralympic Games will be Sophie Unwin (para cycling) and Tim Jeffery (para shooting) who just been selected for Team GB.
As well as representation within Team GB, Nottingham will also see alumna Nike Lorenz captain her country – Germany - at these Olympics Nike, a former sport scholar who graduated MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management in 2022, has previous Olympic pedigree having claimed bronze in Brazil eight years ago, and captaining the side in Tokyo 2020.
Alongside those who have studied at the university, Nottingham is proud to be connected to many high-performing athletes through our partnerships. One of these is with British Weight Lifting, which has strengthened our relationship with Team GB star Emily Campbell. Nottingham born Emily has made our High Performance Zone at David Ross Sports Village her training base, whilst forging strong relationships with our Sports Injury Clinic which saw her become a staff member there for a period of time.
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.