London mayor Boris Johnson, in partnership with the charity SportsAid, has revealed plans to provide funding to 30 aspiring Olympic athletes later this year as part of the London 2012 legacy commitment.

Johnson made the announcement as he met a group of 30 young athletes who have already each been awarded grants of £1,000, and it follows the mayor's recent investment of £15.5m in grassroots sports across the capital. Johnson said: "I am proud to be investing in London's future Olympic stars, who will be the true legacy of the 2012 Games. I admire the extreme determination and discipline of these young sports stars and I hope these training grants will help them perform at the highest level."

Kate Hoey, sports commissioner, added: "The mayor's extended partnership with SportsAid is further evidence of the value that is now being placed on sport in this city. "From his continued support for these aspiring Olympians to last week's £15.5m investment in a grass-roots legacy programme, the mayor is ensuring that London leads the way."