Sheffield Hallam University has announced today that it is an official supporter of the Grand Départ 2014, a three-day event that sees the Tour de France come to the UK in July.
The sponsorship agreement, which means Sheffield Hallam is the first ever university to partner with the Tour in this way, was announced today by Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Jones and Gary Verity from Welcome to Yorkshire.
The University has taken up this exclusive opportunity with ASO (organisers of the Tour de France) through Welcome to Yorkshire. The new agreement will provide significant benefits for students, enabling them to be involved in the world’s greatest cycle race. It will provide more than 200 volunteering and participatory roles that they would be unable to experience at any other university.
The University is developing a full plan of activity as part of the sponsorship package that showcases its academic expertise and experience in art and design, sport, engineering, and events management, amongst others, aiming to bring the excitement of the race to Sheffield.
Speaking at the announcement Professor Philip Jones said: “In July, the eyes of the world will be on Sheffield. Our exclusive partnership with the Grand Départ continues Sheffield Hallam’s proud history of being a major educational partner at global sporting events. This is a natural fit for Sheffield Hallam.
“Exclusive volunteering and participation opportunities at the Grand Départ will be excellent additions to the CVs of our students. For those who are looking for careers in sport or event management, for example, they will be able to demonstrate that they have put their learning into practice at an international event, demonstrating the skills, knowledge and experience that will make them highly attractive to employers in the future.”
“This event also provides a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of our academic teaching and research strength in sport and event management, and our creative expertise drawn from our heritage in art and design which dates back to 1843.”
Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France, said: “It is great to announce these new supporters of the Grand Départ. The UK is now the centre of world cycling due to the recent success on the road as well as the track. The Grand Départ 2007 in London was a massive success but since then Mark Cavendish has won 25 TDF stages and Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome have both brought the yellow jersey to Paris.
“I’ve no doubt the crowds will be even bigger in Yorkshire, Cambridge and London than in 2007, which is why we are so excited to return to the UK in July. I have a feeling the Yorkshire Grand Départ will be a very special moment for Le Tour, for cycling and for all those companies involved like Sheffield Hallam. It will be a moment not to forget.”
