Since the launch of the "International Inspiration" programme in January by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, it has been successfully piloted in Azerbaijan, Brazil, India, Palau and Zambia.  

 

The programme is now being extended, and has received the formal backing of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

 

Five new countries will be part of the second stage:  Bangladesh, Ghana, Jordan, Mozambique and Trinidad and Tobago. 

 

The new funding is from the Department for International Development (DFID) with an additional £5.4 million, and the British Council, which has made a pledge to match fund future income up to a total of £10.2 million.

 

This backs up the £9million already invested by DFID, the British Council, UNICEF, DCMS and the Premier League.

 

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: “I’ve seen for myself in Brazil the very real benefits that International Inspiration brings to young people around the world. 

 

"The teenagers who’ve been on the leadership training now talk about becoming doctors and lawyers, young people of all ages love taking part in new sports, and by being involved in the programme they’re kept away from the dangers of violence, drugs and prostitution on the streets.

 

"So I’m delighted that DFID and the British Council are putting more funding into the programme and that we can bring its benefits to the children in a further five developing and emerging countries.  

 

"Using sport as a catalyst for change for young people around the world is a cornerstone of our Olympic legacy, and I’m thrilled that the IOC has chosen to recognise International Inspiration as an official Olympic programme - the first programme of this kind ever to gain official IOC backing.”

 

Denis Oswald, the chairman of the IOC’s Co-ordination Commission for the London 2012 Games, said: “When Seb Coe and London 2012 made their final presentation to the IOC Session in Singapore, one of their commitments was that they would inspire the youth of the world.

 

"This project is one way that London 2012 is living up to that promise and the IOC is delighted to be able to support them in this very worthwhile endeavour.”

 

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: “Our vision is to use the power of the Games to inspire change - and changing lives is the driving force behind our plans.

 

"We took a very clear promise to Singapore - to encourage the youth of the world to choose sport - and today’s announcement is another key step towards delivering that promise.

 

"Sport can be a great force for good, and the International Inspiration programme will play a real role in improving the lives of young people around the world through sport.”