The 25th Hour campaign, which has received the London 2012 Inspire Mark, will build over the next 28 months to create a lasting legacy that will touch all parts of the UK. 

It was launched at the Olympic Park in East London by Jowell, London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe and Terry Ryall, chief Executive of v, the National Young Volunteers’ Service.

The 25th Hour, which is separate to the official London 2012 Volunteer programme, is based on the idea that we can all find the extra hour and more to make a difference.

A recent survey on attitudes to London 2012 for the Department for Culture, Media (DCMS) and  showed that a third of people in the UK say they would give up their time for a London 2012 inspired activity - with even greater enthusiasm among young people, 48 per cent of whom say they would give up their time.

The 25th Hour will also celebrate the outstanding contributions of exceptional time givers with a range of rewards, including 2,012 pairs of tickets to see the dress rehearsal of the 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

The campaign will use one day every year to celebrate people's achievements.

In October, when the clocks go back and we are all given a real 25th Hour, there will be a national celebration of giving time.

Jowell said: "Millions of people want to be involved in the Olympics when it comes.

"This campaign will give them a chance to do that by pledging their time to get involved in their communities and by doing so having the chance to go see the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony.

"It’s not just for people who like sport either.

"Whether you love culture, education or the environment, this is a movement everyone can be a part of."

Coe said: "Our vision is to use the power of the Games to inspire lasting change.  

"They offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something extraordinary, to inspire everyone to use their passion to help others. 

"The 25th Hour will allow all of us to make a contribution and achieve our own personal best and leave a lasting legacy in our communities."

The 25th Hour is already backed by a coalition of national sports organisations, charities and voluntary organisations.

In the coming months coalition members will create bespoke projects and opportunities inspired by 2012, enabling individuals to give their time to causes they care about in their local area.

The campaign will continue to recruit more organisations as it builds towards summer 2012 and the website will develop to direct people to available opportunities, allowing them to search by postcode and personal interest as well as post their personal experiences of giving time.

London Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured), said: "The London 2012 Games bring with them a once in a lifetime opportunity to tap into people’s enthusiasm for giving their time.

"Most people don’t realise the positive impact one hour can make and the 25th hour campaign will help the many organisations in the capital and across the country that are looking for people to devote their time, energy and skills.

"There is great work in promoting volunteering already underway in London and I am championing at every opportunity the important role volunteers have to play before, during and after the Games."

The scheme is being backed by several personalities, including Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain’s most successful ever paralympian and trustee of v - The National Young Volunteers’ Service.

She said: "We’re delighted to be supporting the 25th hour campaign, using the power of 2012 to harness the talents, energy and enthusiasm of new generation of young volunteers.

"The 25th Hour will inspire all of us, and especially young people, to make a contribution and achieve our own personal best.

"Together we can achieve something extraordinary if we find a little extra time.”

To find out more about about the scheme click here.


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