Olympic legacy Sportivate funds allocated

Lord Coe says he wants the Olympics to inspire young people to choose sport

Young people are being encouraged to take up sport, as part of the legacy promises made by organisers of the London 2012 Olympics.

The Sportivate project aims to give 14 to 25-year-olds up to eight weeks of coaching in a sport of their choice.

The range of sports available include tennis, archery, judo and parkour.

Funded by the National Lottery, Hertfordshire will receive £597,240 of the £32m budget, Buckinghamshire £388,680 and Bedfordshire £363,400.

Sportivate, which forms part of the legacy promises made by organisers of the Olympics, has been launched by Sport England.

"Lots of people think sport isn't for them," said chief executive Jennie Price.

"I would like them to have the chance to discover whether there is a sport they really enjoy, so this programme is all about choice.

"Everyone who takes part will receive high quality coaching - giving them the confidence and skills which will make them want to keep playing in the future."

Bucks and Milton Keynes Sports Partnership, who will be taking part in the project, say they will help people to continue playing sport after they have completed the course.

"We are looking forward to working with our local partners to ensure Sportivate makes a real difference to young people living in Buckinghamshire," said director Michaela Smith.

As an added incentive, organisers say that young people who stick with sport after completing the coaching sessions will also have the chance to win tickets to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.