Dr David Richards, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Hull, said: “This has been a fantastic project to have been involved in. We are extremely proud of our partnership with Team GB and the opportunities it is affording both our students and staff, and this is another great example of that.
To have been involved in helping the Team GB athletes ahead of what is certain to be a very different Games for them, is something we take huge pride in.
“We wish each and every one of the athletes the very best of luck out in Tokyo and look forward to cheering their success.”
Following a trip to Tokyo, where images were taken of specific venues, students began creating computer models which would form the basis of the immersive environment.
A team from Lampada, a University of Hull digital solutions company, worked to deliver the content.
Tim Ellerton, Commercial Director from Team GB, said: “We are really proud to work with the University of Hull to deliver innovative projects which have a direct impact on our athlete performance. Thank you to showing such commitment to our team.’
Since completion, the technology has become part of the athlete education programme, designed to get athletes games ready.
Athletes also had the chance to use the technology at the Team GB Kitting Out event where they were given cardboard VR headsets to use with their phones to view the environments.
Since it was announced in January 2019, the University’s partnership with Team GB has provided a diverse range of opportunities for staff and students – many of which go beyond a sports focus.
The 360 event is the latest of these opportunities. Other recent activities have included the I Am Team GB Festival of Sport and ‘Give It A Go’ event, which saw Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle on campus launching the I Am Team GB Festival of Sport.
Other activities include an ongoing research project exploring British Olympic Champions of the past – the aim is to inspire current Team GB athletes to achieve success by connecting them to their athletic heritage – as well as a series of Team GB appearances where athletes have shared their personal goal-setting and medal-winning experiences with students.
Additional highlights include a marketing challenge for first-year Business School students, a family sports event for local schools and colleges, competitive internships opportunities for students and the opportunity to volunteer at Team GB ‘Kitting Out’ events.
The University’s partnership with Team GB includes the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The partnership is borne out of a synergy between the University’s ambitions and beliefs, and those of Team GB.
Read more about the exciting Hull University Team GB events and opportunities.