Image: London 2012 aimed to 'inspire a generation'

Half of young adults across the UK have been "inspired" to participate in sport as a result of the London 2012 Olympic Games, according to new research from Deloitte.

The professional services firm surveyed 2,000 people between the ages of 16- and 35-years-old as part of the study, with 18 per cent intending to take up a new sport or activity.

A further 27 per cent are planning to participate more in an existing sport or activity, while 5 per cent said they would look to do both following the conclusion of the Olympics.

Team GB's cycling success during the Games has led to 46 per cent of survey respondents intending to take up the sport, while 40 per cent are planning to start swimming.

Across the group, it was younger participants - those aged between 16- and 18-years-old - who were found to be most enthusiastic, with 63 per cent inspired by the Olympics.

Heather Hancock, lead London 2012 partner at Deloitte, said: "London 2012 aimed to inspire a generation and it seems like it has gone a long way towards doing that.

"Clearly, it is one thing to say you will take up a new sport and another to actually do it. The excitement will die down and these good intentions will not all translate into results.

"However, the Olympic Games has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve levels of physical activity across the country."

Click here for more information on Deloitte's Olympic inspiration study.

Image: JacksterD/flickr