Sheffield International Venues' new Head of Sport Wayne Coyle is to exploit the city's superb sporting event management skills and experience to provide a guiding light for others in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games.
The former general manager at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield has been chosen to help ensure that Sheffield draws maximum benefit from the 2012 Games.
Wayne will report to SIV and an Olympic Steering Group chaired by Sheffield City Council with his key priority to make sure the city reaches its potential and to help inspire a new generation of young people to make sport a central part of their lives.
Wayne said: "This opportunity is really lighting the way for the city to show what we can do both in taking advantage of opportunities associated with the Games and by encouraging Sheffield athletes to compete at the London 2012 Olympics.
"Sheffield has staged numerous national, European and World championships and this has given us a great insight into the needs of athletes and teams.
"The eyes of the world will be on England in the build up to London 2012 and hosting teams and training camps will not only generate significant economic benefit but will also provide a major opportunity to profile the city and South Yorkshire region through the extensive media coverage which will accompany the individuals from this area and teams as they prepare for the Olympics. "
Steve Brailey, chief executive at Sheffield International Venues said: "We are beginning an exciting period for everyone involved in sport. The success of London in winning the 2012 bid has really boosted the national interest in sport and there are a number of exciting opportunities opening up for us.
"The company has an excellent reputation within the industry and we are ideally placed to take advantage of these opportunities. The tremendous success of Hillsborough winning UK Sports Centre of the Year last week demonstrates once again that we are leading the field.
"Wayne's knowledge and experience is a valuable asset to both SIV and Sheffield and I am sure he will be ideally suited to his new position.
"I would like also to take the opportunity to thank him for leadership of the team at the English Institute of Sport - Sheffield, over the last year. The results at this venue have been excellent and have surpassed the expectation of both the company and our partners Sport England."
Cllr Jan Wilson, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: "Wayne's post is a key one to ensure Sheffield get its share of the Olympic action. We want the city's economy to benefit from being associated with the 2012 Olympics, possibly through major events in the years leading up to it, as well as the people it will bring into the city with visiting athletes or tourists. We want Sheffield sportsmen and women to compete in the Games, and we want to inspire a generation with sport. This will all boost Sheffield's profile and reputation."
Sports minister Richard Caborn added: "I welcome this move by Sheffield to embrace the opportunity offered by the 2012 Olympics. The benefits of the Games are not restricted just to the host city of London and this kind of approach is exactly what is needed to maximise benefits for the country as a whole.
"There really is no better man for the position. I have worked with Wayne for a number of years and he is very well respected in the city's sports sector."
Wayne's duties as Head of Sport will include liaising with stakeholders and relevant authorities including the City Region Partner Authorities, Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourism and national governing bodies, developing business opportunities, establishing greater links with sports clubs and development officers.
He will also identify sources of additional funding and work with other agencies like SYSP, School Sports Partnership and Activity Sheffield to identify and develop opportunities for SIV.
Released on behalf of Sheffield International Venues by HR Media Ltd. For more information contact Abby Worsnip at HR Media on 0114 221 0230.