International Inspiration has reached millions of children and young people around the world through the power of high quality and inclusive sport, physical education (PE) and play and has enriched many thoudands of lives. International Inspiration was conceived as the official London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games leagcy initiative.

The programme is fulfilling the promise made by Seb Coe on behalf of the London bid team in Singapore in 2005 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...improving their lives as a result.’

International Inspiration is delivered through a unique partnership between the British Council, UK Sport and UNICEF, to realise London 2012’s legacy promise to enrich the lives of 12 million children in 20 countries in time for this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, a double-feat the programme achieved in February 2012.

International Inspiration is governed by an independent charitable foundation. The II Foundation is committed to continuing and developing the original International Inspiration mission of using the inspirational power of sport to enrich the lives of children and young people across the globe.

Where is it taking place?

International Inspiration is changing the lives of young people in 20 countries: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Palau, Pakistan, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda and Zambia.

The UK is also involved in the International Inspiration programme, with 287 schools in the UK linked with 307 schools in the participating countries. These partnerships focus on joint projects that address priorities in the schools using PE, sport and play as the focus.

Having achieved its vision of reaching 12 million children and young people in 20 countries International Inspiration will now focus on ensuring the programme is sustainable, leaving a lasting legacy in these countries after the final year of the programme in 2014.

International Inspiration ambassadors

Top sport stars from the UK and overseas are representing International Inspiration as ambassadors, helping to spread the message about the impact of the programme on millions of young people worldwide.

There are currently seven International Inspiration ambassadors – David Beckham, Sir Chris Hoy, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Denise Lewis, Colin Jackson, Oscar Pistorius and Stephen Kiprotich who became involved in the programme in 2012.

Where can I find more information?

Download the International Inspiration Annual Review, 2010-11.

You can also read the latest press releases and also find out about more about the impact International Inspiration is having in schools around the world from our selection of case studies.

For information about all the latest activity, visit the London 2012 website.