The University of Worcester will be used as a training venue for 2012

The University of Worcester has marked its selection as a London 2012 training venue by raising the Olympic flag.

The University's vice-chancellor David Green told BBC Hereford & Worcester they were thrilled to have been chosen.

"We're very proud that we have both students and members of staff who have been competing in the Paralympics.

"We hope to help many people get into the British team for the Olympics in 2012," he added.

In addition to past and present Olympians, a number of youngsters were also at the launch, some of whom have serious designs on being on the start line for the London games.

Among these was Mohammed Bakathir a wheelchair athlete whose prowess over 100m is already starting to attract the attention of national selectors.

A pupil of Worcester's Blessed Edward Oldcorne School, Mohammed said the arrival of the Olympic flag in Worcester had made underlined his determination to succeed.

"Last year I got a gold medal in the regional games in Birmingham which meant I qualified for the nationals in Blackpool where I got a national record," he said.

"I was spotted by the GB coach and so I have now reached the second stage into hopefully getting into the Paralympics because I was actually invited by the coach as he saw a bit of potential," he added.

I know that the British Olympics, which happens to be taking place in London with some events in other places is going to be brilliant Christina Boxer

Among those former Olympians who were present for the official launch of the university as an Olympic venue was Christina Boxer, who represented Great Britain at three Olympic Games, finishing just outside the medals in the 1500m final in Seoul.

Christina also coached at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and is convinced that the whole country will get behind the London Olympics.

"British people tend to find the negatives before they find the positives, but Manchester was amazing," she said.

"So I know that the British Olympics, which happens to be taking place in London with some events in other places is going to be brilliant."