A generation of young volunteers will be supported to work in their local communities as part of the newly launched London 2012 Young Leaders Programme – with the longer term goal of bringing their acquired leadership skills to bear as volunteers for the Olympics and Paralympics themselves two years' hence.

BP effectively the sponsor of this LOCOG programme, along with the National Young Volunteers Service, who are providing match funding and will work with the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust as the delivery partner.

The Trust, which is training elite sports performers in mentoring skills which will benefit youngsters - will manage the programme involving around 100 young people across the UK on behalf of 14 local authorities.

"It is fantastic to have the support of BP as a gold level sponsor for my charity," Dame Kelly, chair of the Trust, told insidethegames.

"We feel very privileged to have been chosen by BP to play a role in the delivery of The London 2012 Young Leaders Programme and we are looking forward to playing our role as a delivery partner."

As well as receiving coaching and guidance from the performers, many of whom will be Olympians and Paralympians, each of the young people involved will receive support from 100 BP employees.

The intention is that the selected young leaders will recruit other young people from their area to support community activities.

They will also seek to promote London 2012-related activities in their local area.

"Working as a Games volunteer will be part of the commitment for the young leaders," said Louise Wolsey, a spokeswoman for the Trust.

"We hope the athletes we recruit, who have been there and done it, will be able to show the young people what being at the Olympic Games is all about and to bring the experience to life for them – they will bring a little sparkle and magic."

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