Queen Mary University was one of the first providers of sporting activity to come on board with the Run! Project in Tower Hamlets after meeting with Run! Activator Nicole Evans. Having successful securing an Active Universities grant at the beginning of the current academic year, discussions were had around the delivery of athletics – a sport they had yet to provide the students. Nicole discussed possibilities that included Run England Jogging groups for students and staff, a fitness session with an Athletics focus and track athletics utilising the university campus and Mile End Park Stadium.

After a successful project launch in September 2011 Nicole recruited Andrew Hale, LiRF qualified, sports coach and REPs Level 3 Fitness Instructor to work with the Run! Project, Run England and QMU Students Union to develop, monitoring and sustaining weekly sessions that have grown in attendance. Andrew’s commitment to ensuring the sport is accessible and attractive to all in a borough where athletics isn’t of first choice has been noticed by all concerned and led to him being nominated by the staff at the University.

Damian Lyons – Get Active Coordinator said “Andrew was nominated for the 'Get Active Contribution of the Year' Award at QMSU's Club Sport Award Ceremony. This took place on Tuesday 27th of March at Proud Cabaret. He was one of 4 nominees that were shortlisted and one of only 2 coaches that made it onto the list. Andrew was nominated due to his hard work with the Get Active programme in its first year. He persevered with some sessions despite very low attendance figures initially and built them up to be successful. He has helped form a strong relationship with a staff running group which has helped the programme meet one of its key aims. Andrew has also been instrumental in setting up Athletics sessions and this has formed a link into competitive Club sports with several athletes now looking into entering the BUCS Championships.” The Run! Project would like to congratulate Andrew on his achievement and look forward to working with him more as the programme of activity across the Borough develops beyond 2012.

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