Press release 1 May 2012

World famous photogrpaher Rankin has teamed up with London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe and a host of Olympic and Paralympic athletes to mark the achievements of London 2012's international sports legacy programme, International Inspiration, in a special photography exhibition.

Inspired By Sport opens tomorrow at the Museum of London and showcases athletes captured by Rankin including Seb Coe, Denise Lewis, Colin Jackson, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Louise Hazell and James Ellington. These photographs convey the inspirational power of sport and feature alongside images - taken by a host in internatioanal photographers - of young people around the world whose lives have been touched by the programme and have been inspired by sport.

The exhibtion highlights the work of Inetrnational Inspiration, a unique partnership, between UNICEF, the British Council  and UK Sport, 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 this year.

Each photograph demonstrates how International Inspiration is harnessing the power of inclusive physical education, sport and play to address issues that affect children and young people, such as, gender equality, gang violence, lack of educational opportunities, life skills development, HIV / AIDS education and intercultural awareness in countries from Azerbaijan to Zambia.

The programme is fulfilling the promise made by Seb Coe on behalf of the 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.'

Olympic Gold medalist and International Inspiration Ambassador Denise Lewis said: 'I have seen first hand the impact International Inspiration is having on young people's lives. When I visited India, I saw something truly special that is making a real and lasting difference to children of all abilities, social status and gender. Inspired By Sport celebrates a London 2012 legacy we can all be proud of.'

John, 12, from Zambia features in one of the exhibitions photographs and is in the UK for the first time for the opening of Inspired By Sport.

John said: 'I have learned life skills and  about HIV and AIDS - as children in Zambia it is important that we learn about transmission and prevention and also how to look after ourselves and live healthy lives. I love baseball and football as they both involve lots of running, which is good for my body!'

Sir Keith Mills II Foundation Chair said: 'Having now achived our original objectives and made such an impact, it's important now for us to focus on continuing and expanding this extraordinary programme as a real legacy from the 2012 Games.'

Inspired By Sport runs from 2-13 May 2012 at the Musuem of London and entry is FREE.