Sports minister backs Games legacy campaign

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The minister said the Games must be used to get more young people involved in sport and to create the lasting infrastructure for them.

Speaking at a fringe meeting about preparations for 2012 at the Labour conference in Manchester, Mr Sutcliffe said: "It's a great campaign. It is a positive attempt to capture people'simagination and unleash the potential that's out there through the Olympics and its legacy.

"For me the legacy is about improving sports facilities, increasing sporting activity and improving people's lives through the Olympics. If we don't harness this opportunity to achieve that we never will."

The Standard's charter to deliver an Olympic legacy demands:

Sporting inspiration and facilities "that last for the generation to come".

Access to top-class sporting facilities for all.

Ringfenced money to secure Olympic legacy and ensure millions more participate in sport.

No more sell-offs of school or council sports facilities

Establishment of a system of "Olympic Champions" with top athletes going into schools to inspire children.

Olympic gold medallist sprinter Darren Campbell, who was also at the meeting, called for more funding to allow former athletes rather than amateur enthusiasts to coach promising teenagers.

Sue Campbell, chairwoman of UK Sport - which invests in British Olympic success - said there was a strong structure in place through the Elite Coach Programme, and former stars such as cyclist Chris Boardman were passing on their expertise. But she added: "Darren is right that they have a unique perspective - the trick is to ensure that they learn how to adopt and communicate it to the next generation."