He quoted a parliamentary reply last week showing that only 5% of the PE and sport in schools budget had been spent by 1 April 2004.

BBC: Team GB sailing dinghy

It suggests the Games inspired more than half of children to take up a new sport, but 80% of parents say the amount of PE and games in UK schools has not increased.

BBC: Olympics has not boosted school sport, survey suggests

He said the government had, among other things, marginalised sport in schools, leading to a 30% fall in the number of trainee PE teachers, and abolished compulsory team games for children aged over 14.

BBC: School sport goes for gold

However, along with the loss of funding for the musical arts, PE has also suffered and classes are no longer taught nor required in a stunning number of American public schools.

BBC: School PE lesson