A community project funded by Legacy Trust UK and HEFCE (The Higher Education Funding Council for England) and supported by staff and students from universities and cultural organisations across the South West has been shortlisted for a prestigious Times Higher Education award.

The RELAYS (Regional Educational Legacy for Art and Youth Sport) project, which aims to inspire and up-skill young people ahead of the London 2010 Olympic Games, has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Award in the Times Higher Education Supplement Awards 2010.

Led by Universities South West, RELAYS is a collaboration of 11 universities and cultural partners across the south west of England. Half way through the project, more than 45,000 young people have been engaged in activities, 125 events and festivals have been held attracting over 101,500 visitors from across the region and beyond and over 1780 volunteers have given up their time and expertise to make it all happen.

Leanne Dingle, Project Manager for RELAYS, said
‘We are delighted that the inspirational work that RELAYS and the team have achieved is being recognised. This project is an amazing example of what can be achieved when our universities and partners, students and volunteers and the enthusiasm and talent of young people in the South West come together. RELAYS recognises that not everyone can be, or wants to be, the fastest runner or swimmer, but the events and activities we run appeal to a wide range of abilities and tastes.’

‘Through the generosity of our funders we are able to provide young people with the chance to experience something new and exciting; hopefully creating a legacy of engagement and activity that will last well beyond 2012.’

The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards 2010 will be announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on Thursday 25 November.