Team GB athletes who have received funding since London 2012 have delivered more than 17,000 volunteer days, reaching a quarter of a million youngsters, according to UK Sport.

Around 1,300 competitors committed to providing at least five days per year to inspire children through coaching and mentoring in exchange for exchequer and National Lottery funding.

More than 730,000 young athletes have taken part in the activities over the four-year period.

Hockey player and London 2012 bronze medallist Alex Danson has completed the largest proportion of volunteer days of all the National Lottery funded athletes.

She said there was “no way” she would have ever played hockey without the encouragement of volunteers, adding: “Throughout my career I have been motivated, encouraged, supported and coached by so many incredible people. These experiences have led me to believe it is a privilege as athletes where possible to give back wherever we can.”

UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl added: “National Lottery players have helped transform the prospects of talented athletes in this country, which has taken our Olympic and Paralympic teams from strength to strength, seen them soar up the medal table and make the nation proud.

“It’s wonderful to see that our athletes have given back over 17,000 days on the road to Rio through volunteering in schools and communities, harnessing the power of sport to help deliver the greatest possible impact from their success.”