Olympic flame comes to MediaCityUK

The relay entered MediaCityUK at Salford Quays on Sunday 24 June at 5.59am, and from there it went past the Imperial War Museum and Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium.

More than 400 Scouts and Guides from Salford slept over on Saturday night to make sure they didn’t miss any of the action. They took their sleeping bags along to the University’s building, the Lowry Outlet Mall and the Imperial War Museum.

Salford was proud to support social work student Andy Tutte when he ran with the torch in Birkenhead on 1 June. Andy was chosen because he overcame his drug addiction to establish a career rehabilitating others with similar problems. He works at a clinic in Bradford and competes in triathlon events in his spare time.

Physical Theatre and Dance graduate Phil Minns also ran with the torch in Sheffield on 25 June. Phil was chosen for his charity work raising thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The University will be keeping a close eye on the Games when sports science student Terence Boson competes in the wrestling tournament. Terence won a silver medal in the 60kg Greco-Roman competition at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and is highly tipped for an Olympic medal.

Another medal hopeful with a Salford connection is graduate Niki Birrell. Niki will be competing at the Paralympic Games in the skud sailing competition with partner Alexandra Rickham. They have won four consecutive titles at the IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships and are real contenders for a gold medal in London.