The time is finally here!

In just a few hours, billions of eyes will be on a pristine shiny white stadium in East London, as celebrations get underway to kick off the greatest sporting event in the world; the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games.

"With years of preparation, determination and commitment, these athletes will fight it out at their sport to achieve their lifetime dream and bring home the medals" comments Phil Chamberlain, Policy and Communications Director at the Youth Sport Trust.

"This time will be an unforgettable experience over the next two weeks, while the nation goes sport mad and show up in their thousands to support sporting stars and teams, but we mustn't forget that these Games were won on a promise to inspire a generation to choose sport.

"From our work within schools, we've seen a huge increased anticipation for many months about London 2012, with young people becoming ever more aware that the country is soon to host the greatest sporting event in the world.

"Young people have had the chance to try out Olympic and Paralympic sports at Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week, Young Ambassadors have been encouraging more young people to get involved with sport and embrace the Games values, while our athlete ambassadors have been visiting schools across the UK, sharing their stories and excitement about the spectacle to come. We have worked hard on a number of activities that seek to provide an enduring sporting legacy for our young people and hope that they see the benefits of being involved with sport after the Games have been and gone.

"This home Games will truly be a unique experience and will ignite some remarkable moments that will be part of history, so good luck to Team GB on their exciting medal conquest."