Colin Jackson and Denise Lewis have also been named as ambassadors.

 

 

Beckham said: “My involvement, both when London won the bid in Singapore in 2005 and at the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, made me realise the power of the Olympic Games.

 

"Sport is a language that everyone speaks, and it can be used to change lives.

 

"Through International Inspiration, we have an opportunity to give millions of children the chance to experience the thrill and excitement that being involved in sport brings.

 

"We can use sport to teach them about trust and respect and we can boost their confidence. It’s a chance for them to learn how to stay safe, keep healthy and in some cases stay alive.”

 

The scheme was set up to deliver on the promise that was made by the London bid team in Singapore to "reach children all around the world and connect them to the inspirational power of the Games and to see millions more young people across the world participating in sport and improving their lives as a result ".

 

International Inspiration is operating in five countries – Azerbaijan, Brazil, India, Palau and Zambia – with work beginning in Bangladesh, Jordan, Ghana, Mozambique and Trinidad & Tobago and plans underway for initiatives in Malaysia, Nigeria and South Africa.

 

The aspiration is to reach 12 million children in 20 countries by the 2012 Games.

Dame Tanni said: “When I was growing up, sport for disabled people didn't get that much coverage on television.

 

"But I remember saying that I was going to be there one day, on the starting line with everyone else.

 

"Millions of children living in poverty around the world never even get to the starting line.

 

"If they're disabled, they've got even less chance.

 

"That's why I am so proud to be involved with International Inspiration, which is bringing the transforming power of sport to break down barriers, promote positive attitudes towards children with impairments, and ultimately give them the chance to achieve their full potential.”

Sir Chris said: “Winning my first Olympic gold medal in Athens 2004 and three Olympic golds in Beijing 2008 was the realisation of a lifetime's dream.

 

"Standing on the podium was incredible, an absolutely amazing feeling.

 

"Many children around the world don't even have a safe place to play, let alone a dream of Olympic glory.

 

"International Inspiration aims to change that by providing millions of young people with their first opportunity to participate in sport.

 

"It's a chance for them to learn how to build their skills, self esteem and confidence and improve their lives as a result.”

International Inspiration is a unique partnership of public and private organisations.

 

London 2012 have joined forces with the programme’s key delivery partners, UK Sport, UNICEF UK and the British Council, to bring International Inspiration to fruition as a core strand of the London 2012 international education programme.

 

Other partners and funders of International Inspiration include the Department for Culture Media and Sport, Department for International Development, the Premier League, the British Olympic Association, the British Paralympic Association and the Youth Sport Trust.