Sheffield Hallam has unveiled some of its volunteer Tourmakers who will work on this summer’s Le Grand Départ as part of a partnership with Welcome to Yorkshire.
Dozens of students and members of staff will line the route of the Yorkshire leg of Le Tour de France as volunteers, working in a variety of roles.
They will include Elena Pérousse, 21, who is from Versailles in France and a regular visitor to Le Tour.
And watching proudly when the race enters the Peak District will be her father Pascal, who was one of France’s best-known amateur cyclists.
He competed in more than 700 races, recording 10 victories and finishing second in the French university championships in 1981.
Elena, who is studying tourism and hospitality business management, said: “I’ve grown up watching Le Tour and I’ve always wanted to be part of it.
“So when Sheffield Hallam became a partner of Le Grand Départ I could not miss this brilliant opportunity.”
The University has developed a full programme of events and activities that will see significant benefits for students, providing official Tour de France volunteering roles, work placements with Welcome to Yorkshire, and opportunities to be involved in organising and managing the University’s activities, which include a theatre production, art exhibition and various public events.
Events management student Emily Burton, 22, has taken up a volunteering role with Welcome to Yorkshire and will also act as a production assistant for the Team Presentation Event which means she will work with London 2012 opening ceremony supremo Martin Green.
Emily, who is from Coniston in Cumbria, said: “To have the opportunity to be part of Le Tour is a dream come true both personally and professionally. It really doesn’t get any better for an events management student.
“The atmosphere will be electrifying but the real highlight for me though will be to see one of the British guys win a Yorkshire stage.”
Emily and Elena will be joined as Tourmakers by Sheffield Hallam marketing officer Paula Lee.
She said: “I grew up in Worrall, which is on the route, so to see these world famous athletes racing through my home village will be a dream come true.”
Professor Philip Jones, Vice Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam, added: “Exclusive volunteering and participation opportunities at Le 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.”
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