Connected To Careers
25 January 2011
Debbie Thornton (left) and Asia Alder, from the Volunteering Team
There's been cause for celebration for the University of Derby volunteering team after receiving a national mark for their annual event. The Festival of Volunteering, previously known as the 'Volunteering Fair', has been awarded the Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme, which recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games. The event will encourage involvement in sport, volunteering and healthy lifestyle participation, and is the first time the University of Derby has held such a prestigious event.
The Festival of Volunteering will be held at the University of Derby's Kedleston Road site on 9 November 2011. Only non-commercial organisations delivering projects and events genuinely inspired by the London 2012 Games, across sport, culture, education, sustainability, volunteering and business opportunities, can apply for the Inspire Mark. Cultural projects that are awarded the Inspire Mark will also be recognised as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Asia Alder, Project Coordinator for Volunteering at the University of Derby's Career Development Centre, said "I am delighted to have the Festival of Volunteering recognised in this way. The Games are an intrinsic part of the Festival. It is what makes this event different from previous events organised by ourselves and other organisations.
The aim of the Festival is to promote and raise awareness of volunteering and encourage involvement in sport. Leading up to the Festival in November, the Student Union will be hosting monthly events. It will encourage participants to take part in London 2012 inspired sport-related volunteering opportunities and provide encouragement for participants to become more active, promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity.
The Festival of Volunteering is a University wide initiative supported by the University of Derby Students Union, Team Derby and external partner Community Action Derby. The event will be open to staff and students as well as members of the community. It will encourage involvement across all sections of society and promote community cohesion. It will remove barriers to access sport and recreational facilities by bringing together in one free community event a variety of opportunities for people of all ages.
Article by Becki Jones
