With the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) World Championships taking place in the same city for the first time, London 2017 is set to be the best World Championships to date. Joining alumnus Coe at the launch event was Sir Philip Craven, President of the IPC, the duo combining again having worked closely on London 2012.

Naturally, as with all major sporting events, volunteers will play a major role in ensuring the championships, which run from 14-23 July and 4-13 August, are a success.

Taking place at Loughborough University London for the whole of June, volunteer training will see over 4,500 volunteers pass through the campus, where they’ll hopefully leave with the skills and resources needed to equip them for a busy summer of athletics.

Working with London 2017, Loughborough University will survey a large number of the volunteers, something that will form the basis of a piece of research into volunteer motivations.

Of Loughborough’s role in supporting London 2017 Lord Coe said:

“I think it’s really important that Loughborough University, which is the preeminent university in the world of sport, should also be looking beyond simply providing the great coaching and ultimately the great athletes, but more broadly into what it’s also very good at, which is event management.

“Loughborough really understands the value of the volunteers, because ultimately the view which people form about these championships will be largely predicated on the quality and ability of the people we see gathered here today. They’re often the first people you meet when you arrive and possibly the last people you say goodbye to, and throughout the course of the event journey they’re the ones who are way finding and being there to give a helping hand. Often just a smile is enough to send people back recognising the event is something special. That's why good volunteers are so special and I’m delighted Loughborough is involved again.”