Five-time Olympic Gold medalist, Sir Steve Redgrave, has unveiled a new way for people to become sporting heroes in South London and Surrey.

Sir Steve, our greatest Olympian, has joined forces with Sport England, PRO-ACTIVE London and Active Surrey to launch Sport Makers, a programme for everyone who would like to make sport happen for their friends, neighbours or colleagues.

Sir Steve said: "You don't need medals to become a sporting hero. By helping people you know to get involved in sport you'll be doing something amazing for your friends and local community as well as having fun yourself.

"The thing I want to see more than anything is more people out enjoying what sport has to offer, but we need your help to make it happen.

"So why not take your first step to becoming a sporting hero and visit sportmakers.co.uk"

Sport Makers aims to inspire over 1,900 people in South London and Surrey to get involved, with each of them spending at least 10 hours organising or leading sporting activities. It is open to anyone aged 16 and over.

Sport Makers is part of the Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country.

Every Sport Maker will be invited to an informal and interactive workshop where they'll gain the skills and opportunities to get involved in sport in London and Surrey. Sport Makers will be introduced to organisations that need their help, and join forces with others who want to make sport happen locally. There will also be opportunities to meet top athletes and plenty of incentives to stay involved.

The launch was welcomed by the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson MP. He said:

"The volunteers that help out at local sports clubs up and down the country are the foundations of community sport. The new Sport Makers initiative is a key part of the London 2012 sports legacy and will help community sports clubs across the country get more people playing sport."

Sport England's Chair, Richard Lewis, said:

"This is a great chance to get involved in making sport happen in London and Surrey, whether that's planning the route, finding the pitch or encouraging others to take part.

"So if you think you could help, or have your own ideas for getting others involved in sport, please join in as a Sport Maker and become part of the legacy of the London 2012 Games."

For more information about how to become a Sport Maker and to sign up, visit www.sportmakers.co.uk

For more information on another community sporting initiative visit www.parkrun.org.uk