John Smith’s, the specialist academic and professional bookselling chain, have recently agreed a £5,000 sponsorship deal with University of East London student and 200m sprinter and athlete, Jeffrey Lawal Balogun.

John Smith’s have shops at Docklands and Stratford campuses of the University of East London

Jeffrey is a full time marketing student who juggles his studies with an intensive 6 times a week training schedule. Coached by Clarence Callender, he is a 200m GB International Athlete and 2012 Olympic hopeful. Jeffrey is hoping to compete this year at both the European Athletics Champs and Commonwealth Games.

Peter Gray, Chief Executive of John Smith’s, said "John Smith's is delighted to be sponsoring Jeffrey and hopes that this will play a part in helping him to realise his sporting goals. Our partnership with UEL on the Progress Bursary Scheme is all about maximising opportunity and achievement for students at UEL and Jeffrey's dedicated pursuit of sporting excellence very much embodies both of those things".

David Cosford, Direct of Sport at UEL, said ”I am extremely pleased that John Smiths have come forward to support the ambition of such a talented athlete and student. The costs associated with training and competing at an elite level are extreme, and Jeffrey will be better positioned to achieve his dream with their support. Jeffrey will aim to compete and win honours at the European Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games this year, so this sponsorship will go along way to a Gold Medal performance.”

UEL is committed to raising its sports profile over the coming year especially in preparation for 2012 and beyond. Planning has recently been awarded for a stunning new £18million sports and academic centre at the Docklands campus. Provisionally named the Sports Dock, this is due to open in late 2011. The centre includes a gym and fitness suite, a large indoor sports arena, ten badminton courts, two competition basketball, volleyball and netball courts, cricket bays, two five a side football pitches, a sports café and covered seating for 400 people.

As part of our continuous aim to better serve UEL students, John Smith’s will be working with David Cosford to develop and offer a range of sporting goods to students at UEL.