Keep an eye out for Nova international !!
News Story :: 2006-11-25 19:00:00
Report from Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby
Last year Headingley was the unwilling host of the so-called 'Great Student Run', organised by Nova International (who also do other events, like the Great Northern Run). It was instigated by the sport-obsessed VC of Leeds Met, as part of his promotional campaign (and his Chancellor just happens to be Brendan Foster, supremo of Nova).
The Run was vehemently opposed by residents - not because we're against such events - but because as organised (a) it was divisive (students-only), and (b) it reinforced the branding of Headingley as student-land. Nova was rather taken aback.
It was intended to take place again this year, after consultation with residents. But we've just heard from the Council:
"I have received notification this morning from Nova International, organisers of the Great Student Run, that due to being unable to reach an early agreement with the Council, they will not be going ahead with a repeat event in 2007. They are pursuing holding the event in an alternative location, i.e. not in Leeds."
[In fact, they haven't even tried to reach agreement with us.]
So this is a warning to everyone else - keep an eye open for Nova International!