Students across the UK have the opportunity to become a commentator at the Olympic Stadium during the BUCS (British Universities Colleges and Sport) Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships, a London 2012 test event as part of the London Prepares Series. The once in a lifetime opportunity is exclusive to UK higher education students, as part of Universities Week 2012 (30 April-7 May).
Universities Week 2012 will recognise and celebrate the contribution that universities make – and have always made – to the Olympic movement and the sports industry in the UK, as part of a celebration of universities’ world-class status, their support for students and the huge contribution they make to UK society as whole.
The Become the Commentator competition is encouraging all students, whatever their academic pathway, to upload their own 90-second commentary clip reporting your university’s sporting event to the Universities Week YouTube channel available through its website. The judges will be looking for truly inspirational sports reporting, worthy of London’s world-class stadium, which brings to life the event with passion and precision.
On Saturday 5 May 2012, three finalists will compete in the commentary box and get coaching from Britain’s best known sports commentator, John Inverdale before one gets to report to thousands across the stadium.
John Inverdale, sports broadcaster and British Universities Colleges and Sport president, said: “For budding reporters and sporting enthusiasts alike, Become the Commentator is a unique and wonderful opportunity for university students to get involved in a London 2012 test event and Universities Week.
“Universities Week is about celebrating the achievements of students and universities and through the London 2012 Games we see this through our top athletes, world-class research, facilities for students and local communities, Cultural Olympiad projects and the army of volunteers who will make the logistics of the ceremonies and the Games possible. Become the Commentator is just one way that we’re hoping to show how universities contribute to every aspect of UK society.”
Ed Marsh, Vice President of Union Development at National Union of Students (NUS) said: “Become the Commentator at the London 2012 test event is about making sure that you as a student can make the most of the once in a lifetime opportunity that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games presents. For one lucky winner of the Universities Week Become the Commentator competition, this means speaking to thousands of spectators at the Olympic Stadium during a London 2012 test event; unmissable!”
Entry is now open and closes 1 April 2012.
