London 2012 Olympic charity Gold Challenge launched

Gold Challenge hopes thousands of people will be inspired to take up sport by British athletes

A scheme that seeks to encourage mass sports participation and raise money for charity as a result of the London 2012 Games has been launched.

Gold Challenge aims to raise £20m for charity by the end of 2012 by getting people to test themselves in Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Organisers hope more than 100,000 will enrol to help their chosen charity.

Gold Challenge founder Dan Thompson said he hoped the scheme would inspire people all ages.

"My vision for Gold Challenge is twofold - to inspire people of every age and physical ability to play sport, and raise significant sums of money for charity.

"By harnessing the growing excitement around London 2012, we are in a unique position to deliver these two objectives."

Individuals or teams will be able to participate in up to 30 types of sport though the scheme.

To complete each sports challenge, people must participate in at least three hours of coached activity.

The Gold Challenge website gives training advice and provides key information guides on the different sports involved.

A team of British athletes vying for a place at London 2012 were due to attended the campaign's launch at Lord's Cricket Ground.