Kingston University's VIPS awarded 2012 Inspire Mark

Kingston University's VIPS awarded 2012 Inspire Mark

Kingston University has recently launched a sports volunteering scheme called VIPS (Volunteers Inspiring People via Sport). The programme provides opportunities for Kingston University's students to get involved in a variety of sports related volunteering roles in the lead up to London 2012 and beyond.

VIPS has been granted the Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme.

The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The VIPS scheme aims to raise the aspirations and skills of university students and those they work with during their times as volunteers. Students are trained as sports coaches and then placed in community groups or schools, gaining valuable skills and experience and therefore enhancing their employability when they leave the University. Students will also be spreading the Olympic and Paralympic values of friendship, respect, excellence, courage, determination, inspiration and equality within their placements.

Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "VIPS is encouraging Kingston University students to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Kingston University we are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in sports volunteering."

Phil Muschamp, Director of Sport and Recreation at Kingston University said: "The Games coming to London has created so much interest in sport that we felt we need to make the most of this unique opportunity. We feel the excitement generated by the Games coming to London will inspire students to want to work in their communities. We will offer students opportunities to coach future athletes, be involved in events created by London 2012 and give them a role of ambassadors for the University. We hope that this will allow us to establish long lasting partnerships between the University and the local community through sport."