The Giving is Winning initiative aims to collect at least 100,000 items of sports
and casual clothes for refugees and displaced people in camps run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) around the world.
It is a joint programme led by the UNHCR, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG). It follows two successful previous editions during the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Games. The British Olympic Association has already committed to taking part.
At the initiative's launch at the IOC session in Durban, IOC President Jacques Rogge said: 'This campaign is an excellent example of how sport can bring joy to people living very difficult lives, as well as to people who give. Let’s make a difference to the lives of thousands of men, women and children, just like sport has made a difference to our lives.'
LOCOG Deputy Chair Sir Keith Mills said: 'This is a fantastic programme and I am very proud that London 2012 will play its part in making Giving is Winning a real success.
'I have seen for myself the impact that sport can have on people's lives and it's fantastic that everyone involved in the Olympic Games, from athletes to sponsors, can help spread the Olympic spirit to people around the world.'
Learn more about the new Giving is Winning campaign
