1 May 2012 Last updated at 11:19

London 2012: Rankin exhibition Inspired by Sport

Commonwealth 2010 gold medal winner Louise Hazel

Inspired by Sport is an exhibition headlined by photographer Rankin, who has teamed up with Olympic and Paralympic stars, London 2012 chair Seb Coe and a host of international photographers. Rankin has captured sporting heroes in action, including Commonwealth 2012 gold medal heptathlon winner Louise Hazel, for the show at the Museum of London from 2 to 13 May 2012. Entry is free.

Louise Hazel says she lives by her motto: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog", and that she understands the challenges that young people face and the barriers they must overcome, even for something as basic as the right to play and engage in sport.

Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis is keen to give as many children as possible the chance to get involved in sport, to be able to "grow and realise their full potential".

Olympic medallists Denise Lewis and Colin Jackson were photographed for the exhibition.

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson says sport has given him discipline, focus, confidence and self-belief. The hurdler wants to ensure that the millions of children who might be missing out on this "vital part of their development" are given the opportunity to learn and grow through sport and games.

Sprinter James Ellington is aiming to represent team GB in 2012. He says he is committed to supporting young people through sport, in order to "encourage development and raise their aspirations for the future".

Acclaimed fashion photographer Rankin, who co-founded style magazine Dazed & Confused, has previously exhibited photos of royalty, actors, musicians and models. The exhibition includes images by global photograhers involved in London 2012's International Inspiration programme, which aims to boost children's lives through sport and play.

Tanni Grey Thompson, Britain's most successful Paralympian with 11 gold medals, recognises the power of sport to "change attitudes to disability, break down barriers, and give children facing challenges the opportunity for success and achievement".

Seb Coe says he is "very proud that London 2012 is enabling positive change to happen to millions of children and young people around the world".

In Pictures

London 2012: Rankin exhibition Inspired by Sport

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