A director of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee has told a University of Ulster audience that Northern Ireland still has an important role to play in run-up to 2012.

Delivering the School of Communication’s Distinguished International Visitors’ Address (DIVA), LOCOG's Communications and Public Affairs Director, Jackie Brock-Doyle, also outlined how the London 2012 Games will target young people for the first time through new media and social network channels to help tackle relevant issues and concerns including childhood obesity.

"We are developing a number of new media programmes and technologies to engage the digital generation of young people with youth focussed information to help address issues and concerns of young people in formats and settings familiar to children and teenagers," she said.

In a key note address at the DIVA event, Brock-Doyle  discussed how the rapidly expanding digital and new media platforms will make the 2012 Games in the UK the most watched and viewed peacetime event in modern times.
 
“The world’s biggest communications and multi-media operation is coming to the UK in 2012 to cover the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and nations and regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland, will be engaged and involved"

“Communities across the UK will have an opportunity to showcase themselves to international media. London 2012 is on schedule to deliver the first digital Games in Olympic and Paralympic history, targeting young people, which industry experts believe will be the most watched and most interactive event in modern times,” she added.

Brock-Doyle also discussed how Northern Ireland is well placed to maximise the economic, sporting and social benefits from London 2012, and how the people of Northern Ireland are already taking part in London 2012 through a range of programmes, including the London 2012 education programme and the Cultural Olympiad.

Now in its third year, the DIVA programme invites leading global experts to share their knowledge, experiences and tactical and strategic advice with Northern Ireland audiences.

Dr Diane Hazlett, host of the DIVA series and Head of the School of Communication at the University of Ulster, said:

“With the Olympic Games nearing a critical stage in its preparation we are fortunate to have Jackie Brock-Doyle participate in this prestigious event. Through the DIVA link up, staff, students and local communication professionals have had the chance to gain knowledge and critical insight from one of the very best communicators in the world.”

She added that “the DIVA programme provides students, faculty, and business and community partners an ‘up-close and personal’ opportunity to learn from ‘best in class’ international communicators”.

The DIVA Programme took place on 18thJune at the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown Campus.