The players will be demonstrating the sport during a reception celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, at which Cameron will be hosting International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge.

The reception also coincides with the final IOC Coordination Commission visit to London to discuss final preparations ahead of this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games in the capital.

A meeting will precede the reception, with London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven, Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson and Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt all set to be in attendance.

The youngsters who will show their skills at the reception represent badminton from six different English counties, and five of them are reigning under 15 national champions.

Jessica Pugh from Shropshire, Hampshire's Ira Banerjee, Ben Lane of Devon, David King from Sussex, Surrey's Oliver Thompson and Nicola Gresty of Gloucestershire are the lucky six, and they also form part of the team England badminton squad selected to compete at this summer's School Games in London.

The reception today is for participants of the School Games, which takes place at the Olympic Park in May, and they will be joined by scheme ambassadors Ellie Simmonds, a two time Paralympic gold medal winning swimmer, and former Olympic gold medal winning sprinter Darren Campbell.


It is a chance to show Olympic officials some of the early legacy of the London Games in a sport which traditionally enjoys a low profile in Britain.

During the reception, Cameron is set to test his racket skills on the badminton court being set up on the Downing Street lawn.

Adrian Christy, Badminton England's chief executive, said: "This exciting opportunity is a privilege and an honour for these young badminton players especially in such an important year for British sport.

"I am confident it will give extra impetus to their performances when they represent their nation in the School Games.

"The quality on show at our recent age group National Badminton Championships, right down to under 11 level, has confirmed we have some amazing home-grown badminton talent coming through the ranks in the many junior clubs and county badminton networks.

"Having hosted Mayor of London, Boris Johnson at the Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships at Wembley Arena last August and received HRH Prince Andrew, patron of Badminton England, at the Yonex All England Open Championships last month, we are delighted to present badminton to the Prime Minister."

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