By Duncan Mackay

Andrew Mitchell MPApril 14 - Controversial British politician Andrew Mitchell is joining the Board of the newly merged charity International Inspiration: International Development through Sport, it was announced today.


International Inspiration is named after its flagship programme, the London 2012 international sport  legacy initiative, which has already worked with 12 million children in 20 countries around the world and developed more than 200,000 teachers, community coaches and Young Sports Leaders to deliver high-quality, inclusive physical education and sport, officials claim.

Mitchell (pictured top) has been given the role because he is a former International Development Secretary of State, a role he held until last year when he was appointed Government Chief Whip in the House of Commons, only to be forced to resign after losing the confidence of many of his colleagues following an altercation with the Metropolitan Police outside Downing Street.

Mitchell allegedly swore when a police officer told him to exit Downing Street on his bike through the pedestrian gate rather than by the main gate.

The leaked official police log of the incident claimed that Mitchell had used offensive language towards the police, although the most damaging allegation was that he had used the word "pleb", a term commonly used to refer to someone who is of a lower order.

Mitchell apologised, but disputed many of the details of the accusations, in particular that he had used the word "pleb", leading to an inquiry which has so far cost the British taxpayer £144,000 ($221,000/€168,000).

International InspirationInternational Inspiration claims to have helped millions of youngsters around the world get involved in sport since London 2012 were awarded the Olympics and Paralympics

Mitchell, the Member of Parliament for Sutton Coldfield, will be hoping that his new appointment marks the beginning of his rehabilitation in public life.

"I am delighted to be joining the Board of International Inspiration," he said.

"I care passionately about international development, and look forward to helping ensure that the power of sport can be utilised to bring developmental benefits to some of the poorest and most disadvantaged groups in the world."

The charity aims to enable the continuation of the "Singapore Vision", the promise made by London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe during the city's successful Olympic and Paralympic bid to "reach young people all around the world and connect them to the inspirational power of the Games so they are inspired to choose sport".

"International Inspiration is an essential part of London 2012's legacy, it has already used the power of sport to benefit over 12 million children in 20 countries," said Coe, now the chairman of International Inspiration.

"Looking to the future, the charity will continue to use inspirational power of the Games to benefit children and young people around the world and we are delighted that Andrew will bring his experience and knowledge of international development to support that effort."

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