Burnley’s Olympic singstar

Members of the public will be the first runners to cross the finish line at the stadium thanks to the Olympic Park Run, organised by the National Lottery, on March 31st which will give 5,000 people the opportunity to tackle a five-mile run around the park in Stratford.

And singing them on their way at the start will be tenor Sean, who has earned a reputation as the “Voice of Sport”, having performed at international football, Test match cricket and rugby league finals.

“It’s a real honour to be singing at the first event to be held at the stadium. Last year I sang at the Manchester 10k and Great North Run and then took part in the run. It’s great fun and helps me keep in shape for my singing.

“There is a link between running and singing — it’s all about the breathing. If you can control your breathing it helps in both disciplines.”

The route will pass alongside the other iconic Olympic and Paralympic Games venues. Sean — who sang during England’s successful Ashes series — has worked all over Europe including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and has developed a reputation as one of the leading tenors of his generation.

He is currently working on a series of projects which aim to encourage young people to sing and is performing a series of concerts as part of the Salford Diocese’s Relay of Prayer, which is being held ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

He will also be singing at each England cricket international this summer.