Podium, the FE and HE unit for the 2012 Games, joined forces with the NUS to launch the 'Be a Champion' scheme, which is being funded by Olympic sponsor Coca-Cola and the Higher Education Funding Council For England (HEFCE).

More than 100 students' unions are expected to appoint a Student Ambassador under the programme to highlight the opportunities available to learners, ranging from sport volunteering, to culture and community participation.

Susan Nash, NUS Vice-President (society and citizenship), said: "Students have a long history of volunteering in their university and college towns and this is an opportunity for them to help make the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games memorable and ensure a lasting legacy of community involvement."

Jon Woods, Coca-Cola's country manager for GB&I, said: "We're delighted to be working with NUS to help create excitement about the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games among the UK's students.

"London 2012 will be a once in a lifetime experience and we're keen to make sure as many young people as possible take up their chance to be a part of it."

The Be a Champion scheme will also provide training and Kitemark accreditation for the unions, creating an Olympic legacy for after the Games have passed.

Susannah Fairbairn