The games will boost sport in schools, say supporters

Ministers and head teachers are hoping the run-up to the games in 2012 and the new facilities built for them will be an inspiration to youngsters.

London's bid for the games had emphasised that they would leave a lasting legacy for young people.

The new Minister for the Olympics, Tessa Jowell, said the games would inspire pupils to sporting success.

Dreaming

"When we were waiting for the final result there were 30 kids from a London school representing 20 different nationalities.

"We asked them: 'How many of you are going to go for gold medals?' They all put up their hands.

"That's what this is for - this is to unlock their ambition and make it worth their dreaming. Sport will be completely central to government policy."

Some of the children Tessa Jowell had been talking to were from Langdon school, a specialist sports college in Newham, east London.

A total of 26 pupils from the school went to Singapore for the final stages of the bid.

Head teacher Vanessa Wiseman said everyone was delighted that the games were coming to London.

"We are so pleased, particularly as a sports college. We are in the heart of where the games will be. The facilities for them will be here for a long time to come.

"There will be more coaching and opportunities for using languages as well."

Martin Ward, of the Secondary Heads Association, said: "From an educational point of view, it is a wonderful opportunity to draw attention to the value of sport and exercising more generally.