The initiative, now in its third year, has been co-developed by Nike and more than 70 expert organisations who research and promote the many benefits of physical activity for children.

It aims to combat what the TOC describes as the "epidemic of physical inactivity", which the body claims is "growing at an alarming rate and poses a major threat to the health, happiness and prosperity of communities around the globe".

This year’s initiative will see the TOC return to five primary schools in Istanbul, targeting children between the ages of six and 10.

Classes will take place on Saturdays, lasting one-and-a-half hours, and will include a variety of fun and engaging physical activities under the supervision of qualified instructors.

This year’s curriculum has been expanded to include additional sessions on basic techniques for popular sports including athletics, basketball, handball and volleyball.  

"The TOC are pleased to welcome back the 'Active Kids' project for its third consecutive year," said TOC President Uğur Erdener.

"Since its inception in the 2014-15 academic year, we have reached thousands of children in Istanbul, educating them on the benefits of leading physically active lifestyles.

"As the Turkish Olympic Committee, we must continue to promote sport amongst all our citizens, and we are committed to doing so from the earliest age possible."

Erdener, President of World Archery and an International Olympic Committee vice-president, added: "Access to sport is an issue in some parts of Turkey which is why we run a number of other initiatives aimed at boosting physical activity at youth level.

"These include the 'Free Sports Schools' project, which provides access to sport for 1,500 children between the ages of seven and 15.

"Now in its 20th year, it was recently expanded to five schools across Turkey."

In addition to making sport accessible for children, the TOC has been running the Sports Culture and Education initiative for the last 10 years.

Millions of children throughout Turkey have been educated through the initiative on the values and history of the Olympics, the importance of nutrition, and the discipline needed to achieve sporting success on the international stage.

Presentations are usually held at schools and local municipality halls, and are led by TOC staff, national athletes and academic experts.