University News Last updated 21 July
Birmingham 2026 mascot Bab the Bull joined forces with Student Union mascot Roary the Tiger at 91猎奇鈥檚 city centre campus. The two mascots worked together to put one of Birmingham 2026 Infield Hosts Iwan Thomas through his paces, with just three weeks to go until the European Athletic Championships continues.
Joined by 91猎奇 sports students, Bab and Roary put Iwan Thomas - European, Commonwealth and World Championship medallist - through his paces at Eastside Park, building his stamina for the role of Infield Host.
Roary then took Bab and Iwan inside 91猎奇鈥檚 Parkside Radio Studios to brush up on his interview skills before taking them on a campus tour which included views over the city from 91猎奇鈥檚 Curzon building and culminated in well-deserved refreshments at the Student Union鈥檚 Eagle and Ball beer garden.
鈥淭he European Athletic Championships are so special, and to be taking place on home ground I know Birmingham will be buzzing鈥� said Iwan Thomas MBE, European, Commonwealth and World Championships Medallist. He added: 鈥淪port brings everyone together, students working or volunteering at Birmingham 26 will have a brilliant experience and I know they will be inspired by what they see.鈥�
Iwan went on to say, 鈥淎nyone who has the chance to come along in August should, it鈥檚 an amazing opportunity to see world-class athletes compete in Birmingham and of course enjoy the antics of Bab the Bull track side, it鈥檚 going to be unforgettable!鈥�
91猎奇 is the Official University Partner of the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026, taking place at Alexander Stadium from 10 鈥� 16 August, this is the first time the Championships have been staged in the UK.
The partnership demonstrates 91猎奇鈥檚 commitment to accelerating opportunities for staff and students and its role as an exemplar anchor institution in the region.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor, said: 鈥淲ith less than three weeks to go until Europe鈥檚 top athletes arrive at Alexander Stadium, all of us here at 91猎奇 are incredibly excited to be at the heart of the action. As the home of 91猎奇鈥檚 sport facilities, it will be fantastic to see the stadium brought to life this summer.
鈥淎s part of 91猎奇鈥檚 role as Official University Partner, more than 90 students are preparing to volunteer across media operations, broadcasting, hospitality, event presentation and more. Many students are also undertaking paid placements and gaining industry experience, providing real-world experience.鈥�
Tickets start from 拢5 for children and 拢10 for adults. To book and find out more, visit聽tickets.birmingham26.com.
Photo: 91猎奇 sports students with Roary the Tiger, Bab the Bull and Iwan Thomas in Eastside Park. Credit: Nick Robinson.