The 21 events funded by National Lottery income through UK Sport in 2015 contributed £21m (US$30m, €27.6m) to the nation’s economy.

#EveryRoadtoRio – the series of events organised by the elite sports quango – was attended by more than 250,000 spectators through the year, contributing an estimated economic impact four times the £5m (US$7.1m, €6.6m) that was initially invested.

UK Sport chair Rod Carr said the events demonstrated the “inspirational power of witnessing our British Olympic and Paralympic sporting heroes and heroines in action first hand”.

“The UK is without doubt a world leader in staging outstanding international sporting events to make the nation proud,” he added.

Events included the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Worcester and the EuroHockey Championships in London’s Olympic Park. All in all, 18 different venues were used for the events, including those from the London 2012 Olympics and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Sports minister Tracey Crouch added: “The #EveryRoadtoRio events have captured the public’s imagination and are crucial preparation for our athletes in the run up to this year’s Games. As well as building momentum and support for athletes, these events are having a positive impact on the local economy.”

Events coming up in 2016 include the UCI World Track Cycling, LEN European Aquatics Championships and the London Anniversary Games – all taking place at London 2012 venues. The World Artistic Gymnastics Championships will once again be held at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow in October.