London 2012 sports charity challenge launched

A charity challenge which seeks to become one of the cornerstones of mass sports participation as a result of the London 2012 Games was launched today.

Gold Challenge aims to raise £20 million for charity by the end of 2012 by getting people to test themselves in Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Organisers hope more than 100,000 will take part and work towards helping their chosen charity.

Founder Dan Thompson said: "My vision for Gold Challenge is twofold - to inspire people of every age and physical ability to play sport, and raise significant sums of money for charity.

"By harnessing the growing excitement around London 2012, we are in a unique position to deliver these two objectives."

Individuals or teams are being called to try five, 10, 20 or 30 sports. To complete a sport, people will have to participate in at least three hours of coached activity.

A website for participants - www.goldchallenge.org - went live today as a team of British athletes vying for a place at London 2012 attended the campaign launch at Lord's cricket ground.

The website gives a helping hand and training ideas by providing key information guides on the different sports.

Participants can also upload their progress and performance on its Gold Challenge Tracker.

Gold Challenge is backed by Sport England, the British Olympic Association and ParalympicsGB.