More than 80,000 young people in England have taken up the opportunity to try their hand at organised sport thanks to the Sportivate Olympic legacy initiative run by Sport England.

Figures released today (30 May) show that, in the past three months alone, nearly 50,000 14- to 25-year-olds have got involved in sport as the build up to the London Games intensifies.

The National Lottery-funded Sportivate programme aims to give young people who currently aren't playing sport in their own time the chance to find a sport they enjoy. Young people are then helped to find a club or venue where they can continue taking part.

Sport England chair Richard Lewis said: "From canoeing to handball, tens of thousands of young people have found the sport that makes them tick thanks to Sportivate and are now forming a sporting habit for life. This is the Olympic legacy in action and it's fantastic to see."

Sports minister Hugh Robertson added: "Sportivate shows how hosting the Olympic and Paralympics Games is inspiring young people to take up sport.

"Congratulations to all the projects across the country involved particularly Twilight Football, Can Dance and Rowing in 2012 who are being recognised for their fantastic work with young people."

Sportivate is being delivered by the network of 49 county sports partnerships, working with local clubs and providers. It is part of the Places People Play official Olympic legacy programme and will benefit hundreds of thousands of young people over four years.