The baton, an official gift from the city of Birmingham to London 2012, was designed by local school children from Aston Manor School, who joined Whitby on stage.

 

Coe is in Birmingham to attend the 29th European Athletics Indoor Championships, an event seen by many a key launch pad for young athletes looking to perform in 2012.

 

Coe himself won one of his first major titles at the 1977 European indoors, setting him on the road to double Olympic success and countless world records.

Whitby said: “We’re delighted to welcome Seb to Birmingham and hope he accepts this gift as a small token of our gratitude for all the hard work put in by him and his team to secure the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games

“These European Indoors are the most significant athletics event due to be staged in the UK before 2012, and as such will provide a vital showcase for the country, city and athletes themselves.”

Coe said: “Thanks again to Birmingham for hosting the Championships and for been the pre-eminent city for sport in the UK.

 

"Having hosted more major sporting championships over the last decade than any other UK city, Birmingham clearly recognises the value of staging such events and the benefits they bring to the city.

“Birmingham’s success in hosting such events is not just thanks to the great facilities on offer, but also the great people here with vast experience in preparing for and staging successful world-class events.”

The baton presentation took place in the Athletics SPARk, an interactive park in Centenary Square created so that young people from across Birmingham can be part of the Championships.

The park includes a performance zone with activities such as long jump, a sprint challenge, high jump and javelin throw.

 

However it is not just about getting physical as youngsters are given a chance to consider technology, nutrition and sports science and learn about the role technicians, scientists, physios, dieticians, coaches and volunteers all play.