Sports boost 'from playground to podium'

Speaking at the "More than Just Medals" conference in London, Coe said London 2012 Games organisers were committed to maximising an increase in sports participation at community and grass roots levels.

"Winning the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games represents the single biggest opportunity in our lifetime to transform sport and participation in sport in the UK forever, "Coe told sporting groups, associations and bodies at the conference organised by the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR).

"We have a unique opportunity that we must not squander to increase participation in sport, at community and grass roots levels as well as elite levels; from the school playground to the winner's podium."

At the conference, Coe outlined the strategic objectives that Games Delivery agencies are working towards to maximise the legacy of the 2012 Games.

The plans have been approved by the Olympic Board - which includes Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, Minister for the Olympics Tessa Jowell, as well as Coe and Olympic Delivery Authority Chair Jack Lemley.

3 May 2006

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