The programme, which is supported by Renaissance West Midlands, is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad through the Stories of the World scheme.

Visually impaired nine-time Paralympic gold medallist swimmer Holmes presented a pair of shorts he wore at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games to chairman of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust Barrie Williams to display within the exhibition.

"The Science, Sport, Life programme running at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums is a perfect example of the excitement the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad can add to local communities across the UK," said Holmes, who retired following the Sydney 2000 Games.

"Through the 'Stories of the World' initiative, Ironbridge has created two exciting permanent exhibitions and a series of events, festivals and community games celebrating our collective sporting heritage and inspiring the sporting heroes of the future."

Running until September 9, 2012, which will mark the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games, the exhibition will also include the Team GB eight-man rowing boat that stormed to Olympic gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics with the item coming in on loan from the Henley River & Rowing Museum.

The Coalbrookdale Gallery will draw on the Museum's diverse collections and photographic sources to stage Our Sporting Life, Sporting Heroes, a display of images ranging from football, cricket and quoit teams to rowing clubs and coracle racing.

It will celebrate Shropshire's sporting heroes from England footballer Billy Wright and Captain Matthew Webb, the first man to swim the English Channel, to modern day heroes including boxing legend Richie Woodhall and England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

"The London 2012 Games offers the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust a unique opportunity to deliver a remarkable programme of exhibitions and events over the next 18 months," said Williams.

"As Chairman of the Trust I am incredibly proud to see Ironbridge, the Birthplace of Industry, working closely with such a prestigious collection of partners including our good friends at Much Wenlock, regarded as the Birthplace of the Modern Olympics.

"Our grateful thanks go to the other museums, sporting institutions and associations and, most importantly, members of the public who have all kindly loaned objects, artefacts and their time to help deliver these world class exhibitions and events."

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