Olympics screening in UCL Quad attracts thousands

For the duration of the London Olympics, UCL has been screening the events in the Quad on a big screen, attracting thousands of visitors onto campus. Coverage began on Friday 27 July, showing Danny Boyle's much anticipated opening ceremony. Andrew Grainger (UCL Estates) tweeted: "There must be at least 2,000 people having fun in UCL Quad watching the opening ceremony. Amazing atmosphere!" As well as the UCL community, local Camden residents also enjoyed the screen, including two 78-year-old twin sisters who travelled to UCL on the 29 bus each day to enjoy the games. The Quad screening meant people were able to cheer on UCL alumni Christine Ohuruogu (UCL Linguistics 2005), who won a silver medal in the Women's 400m, and Rob Williams (BSc Biotechnology 2006) who, together with his GB teammates, was awarded a silver medal in the lightweight men's four rowing final. Former USA athlete Carl Lewis, holder of nine Olympic Gold Medals, also made an appearance in the Quad as part of UCL's hosting of the Art of the Olympians exhibition. Alexandria Hingley, Sports Coordinator at UCL Union, commented: "UCL have provided the public with a fantastic opportunity to get involved and experience the greatest show on earth this summer, with their outdoor screening of Olympic events in the main Quad.