As the Games end, the legacy takes cente stage

The final goal has been scored, the concluding ace served and the last finish line crossed as six glorious weeks of Olympic and Paralympic sport come to a close.

Britain’s athletes continued their successful streak on the last day by gaining two medals in the Marathon as David Weir added a fourth gold to his medal collection and Shelly Woods took silver in the women’s event.

It is performances like these that have motivated people across the country to either try a new sport or rediscover one that they previously enjoyed.

The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games aimed to ‘inspire a generation’ and with hundreds of world records set, an impressive medal haul for both Team GB and ParalympicsGB, and smaller sports receiving increased exposure, they appear to have lived up to their motto.

Whilst the performances of Chris Hoy, David Weir and Sophie Christiansen will act as catalysts, they are just the beginning of the legacy – the people who can bring it to life are all those who give their time and expertise to grassroots sport and the general public. And just as National Lottery funding helped the elite athletes to succeed, so it is opening up opportunities in community sport.

Through our investment of £450 million in the grassroots of 46 sports, including every Olympic and Paralympic sport, and our £150 million Places People Play legacy programme, we’re helping to ensure that anyone who has been inspired by the Games is able to play sport in their local area.

So, if Ellie Simmonds’ performance made you want to dive in or the handball competition intrigued you, there has never been a better time to give sport a go.

If you have been inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games, visit The Games and Beyond to find out how you can try a new sport.