Sebastian Coe, the chair of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee (LOCOG), has said he is committed to ensuring that increasing participation after the Olympics is a key priority.

Speaking at the Central Council of Physical Recreation’s (CCPR) annual conference on 3 May, titled ‘More than Medals’, Coe said: “We have a unique opportunity that we must not squander to increase participation in sport at community and grassroots levels as well as elite levels.

“The concept for the London Games will be tested, verified and validated in order to achieve the best possible balance between the long-term planning and infrastructural needs of the community with the short-term needs of facilities for the Games.”

LOCOG chief executive Paul Deighton added: “We will be putting in utilities that can support a community and house thousands of people in new homes with new schools and hospitals.”