The launch comes on the back of research conducted by Lloyds TSB that reveals that London 2012 excitement is spreading rapidly amongst Britain’s schoolchildren despite the Games still being over two years away.

Eight out of ten schoolchildren surveyed revealed that they were excited about the Olympic and Paralympic Games while six out of ten were actually inspired to take part in more sport due to the London 2012.

The research also showed that 87 per cent of schoolchildren are keen to try a new Olympic or Paralympic sport ahead of the National School Sport Week, which runs from from June 28 until July 2.

The initiative is taking place in partnership between Lloyds TSB, a Tier One London 2012 sponsor, and the Youth Sport Trust (YST).

It is part of the London 2012 Get Set education programme.

Despite the enthusiasm of children’s willingness to take up new sports, it was revealed that 40 per cent of Olympic sports have never been tried by 93 per cent of children surveyed.

The survey concluded that young people across Britain are engaged in London 2012 and that enthusiasm is high but awareness needs to be raised regarding certain sports.

British schoolchildren particularly wanted to find out more about sports that are new to them, including Paralympic sports boccia (30 per cent) and goalball (23 per cent) which were listed in the top ten and the Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week aims to help redress the balance.

Gardener said: "Hosting the London 2012 Games provides us with all sorts of opportunities to introduce young people to sports that they may not have previously encountered.

"At the moment our children tend to take part in the sports that we as a nation do well in.

"By giving more children the opportunity to try a much wider variety of sports like those tried here today we will be able to increase participation levels, widen the talent pool and help young people lead a healthier, more active lifestyle."

Adepitan said: "Working with Lloyds TSB on National School Sports Week in 2009 highlighted the real and noticeable difference that sport makes to young people at a grassroots level.

"Sport can help to develop friendships and increase confidence levels and can provide great entertainment - I myself have moved from playing basketball to tennis just for fun and am enjoying it immensely."

Steve Grainger, the chief executive of the YST, added: “Working with schools throughout the country, we know there is a growing sense of excitement and enthusiasm among teachers and young people that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are getting closer.

"Sport can bring out the best in every young person and help them get more from life.

"Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week provides a brilliant opportunity for us to inspire a generation and promote lifelong participation in sport."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]