The 23-year-old University of Birmingham graduate will help make sure the region makes the most of London Olympics in three years’ time.

 

Bastin, who had trials for Britain's under-21 basketball team, believes his degree in sports and exercise sciences and a year as the University of Birmingham's vice-president of sport will stand him in good stead in his new role.

 

He said: “For the last few years I have heard a lot about the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and this is a great opportunity for me to be involved with them.

 

“I am looking forward to playing a part in delivering some of the benefits of the Games to people in the sub-region and spreading the Olympic message.

 

“It is going to be quite demanding, especially when you look at the ambitious projects the partnership plan to deliver, but I am certainly looking forward to the challenges ahead.”