University News Last updated 13 July
School of Jewellery students from Birmingham City University (BCU) met Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, on Friday (10 July) as the University helped celebrate two sporting milestones for the city.
Not only did the day signal one year to go until the start of the Invictus Games, being held in Birmingham for the first time, it also marked a month before the European Athletics Championships get underway at Alexander Stadium.
Through its expanding involvement with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 and as Official University Partner of the European Athletics Championships, BCU is playing a key role in both showpieces by helping shape unforgettable experiences for athletes, spectators and students.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of BCU, said: "This demonstrates how our University is helping deliver world-class sporting events while giving students career-defining experiences.
"Whether they're supporting this summer's European Athletics Championships or designing medals for the Invictus Games, our students are developing the skills, confidence and professional networks that will benefit them long after the events have finished."
With less than a month until Europe's top athletes arrive at Alexander Stadium, more than 90 BCU students are preparing to volunteer across media operations, broadcasting, hospitality, event presentation and stadium operations.
Students are also undertaking paid placements and gaining industry experience across a range of Championship functions, providing invaluable real-world experience.
BCU's role as Official University Partner is becoming increasingly visible across the city, too, with Powering the Championships branding now appearing on flags and banners.
Preparations are also gathering pace for the Invictus Games, with BCU contributing to a number of initiatives spanning research, student opportunities and the design of the official Games medals.
One of the highlights of Friday's One Year To Go event at the NEC Birmingham came when Prince Harry met staff and students from BCU's School of Jewellery, who have spent months designing the official medals that will be presented to competitors.
Students Tamara Reinhard and Francine Chio played key roles in the medal design process.
Tamara, 34, said: “Seeing the 'I AM' spirit of the Invictus Games come to life is something I'll never forget. Since we began designing the medals, we've wanted to capture that same spirit in our work.
"Prince Harry was genuinely interested in our design process, and it was an incredible opportunity to share our work with him. Being part of a project that means so much to so many people is something I'll always be proud of."
Francine, 29, added: “Being part of the team developing the medal design was an incredible opportunity and a challenge I was genuinely excited to take on. To then be invited to the launch event and see everything come to life felt surreal.”
The University had a strong presence throughout the event at the NEC, with Chancellor Ade Adepitan helping to demonstrate sports that will feature at the Games, including Laser Run, Wheelchair Rugby and Pickleball.
Adepitan, a Paralympic bronze medallist in 2004 and now a respected television presenter, said: “The Invictus Games demonstrate the power of sport to inspire, unite and heal, so I'm proud that Birmingham and BCU will be at the heart of next year's event.
"As a university with deep roots in Birmingham, we're determined to play our full part. Alongside
designing the medals, our students and staff will contribute through research, volunteering and internships to help ensure the Games leave a lasting legacy for the city."
The European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026 will take place at Alexander Stadium from 10–16 August, marking the first time the championships have been staged in the UK.
Tickets start from £5 for children and £10 for adults. To book and find out more, visit tickets.birmingham26.com.
One year later, Birmingham will welcome competitors from across the international Armed Forces community for the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, with BCU once again playing a central role in delivering one of the city's landmark sporting events.
Pictured; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, takes part in a session of Wheelchair Rugby alongside BCU Chancellor Ade Adepitan.