The news was welcomed by Prime Minister's wife Samantha Cameron, who said: "It is fantastic that so many of our heroic troops will be able to cheer on our sporting heroes at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012.

"I am thrilled that 10,000 troops and their families will be able to enjoy this important national event."

The London 2012 Ticketshare scheme was launched last month, with proceeds from the Prestige Ticketing programme effectively donating tickets to worthy causes.

The confirmation of the link up with Tickets for Troops follows news that schoolchildren across the UK will receive tickets via the London 2012 Get Set Education Programme.

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said: "At this time of year it is especially apt that we take time to think of our servicemen and women so I am delighted that the Ticketshare scheme will include them - and their families.

"The Games are rightly a source of great national pride, as are those who serve in the forces and I look forward to seeing some of them at the Games in the summer of 2012."

Hugh Robertson, the Sport and Olympics Minister and former Army major, said: "London 2012 will be a time for national celebration and pride and I am delighted that some of our forces will be able to attend the Games, given their dedication and commitment to our country.

"As a former serviceman myself, I know that our troops and their families will really appreciate this opportunity to enjoy the sporting spectacle of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games first hand."

Tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games go on sale in March 2011 and Londo 2012 is urging people to register their interest by signing up to the pre-registration scheme at www.tickets.london2012.com.

Those who do will receive news and information about Olympic and Paralympic sports and crucially find out exactly when tickets go on sale – and how to apply for them.

Tickets for Troops was established in 2009 and since then has provided over 200,000 tickets to top sporting, cultural, entertainment and cultural events to members of the Armed Forces and their families.


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