Six venues, Wimbledon Park in Southfields, Barns Elms Sports Centre in Wandsworth, Verulamium Park in St Albans, Samuel Montagu Youth Centre in Greenwich, Redbridge's Loxford Park and Brentwood Leisure Centre in Essex are to receive more than 4,000 tons of sand from London 2012.

The project is funded by Sport England to boost interest and participation in volleyball.

Volleyball England chief executive Lisa Wainwright said: "We are hoping that the buzz around the London 2012 Olympic Games will inspire more people to try out beach volleyball as a fun and exciting new sport, so it's important that we provide accessible facilities to encourage more regular spectators and players.

"This project will help to create a legacy for volleyball and encourage people to adopt healthier, more active lifestyles, creating a sporting habit for life."

Team GB beach volleyball stars Shauna Mullin (left) and Zara Dampney promote the Go Spike campaign

The investment is part of the Go Spike campaign, aimed at increasing participation in volleyball by creating more facilities.

Although Britain's representatives in beach volleyball failed to get near to competing for a medal, the sport was extremely popular among spectators and attracting renewed interest from the public.

Debbie Jevans, London 2012's director of sport, said: "Legacy is a hugely important part of the London 2012 Games and was a major part of our bid.

"Being able to provide the sand - used at the iconic Horse Guards Parade Beach Volleyball venue and training courts in St James' Park - to six venues is a fantastic way to demonstrate this and promote the sport to a new generation."

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