Maths and Sport: Countdown to the Games' website launched

How many medals might the UK win in the 2012 Olympics, and does the country hosting the Games have an advantage? What are the mechanics involved in the pole vault? Could the altitude of the Olympic venue affect performance in the long jump? What kind of science goes into designing tennis rackets?

These and many other questions are addressed by an exciting new project - 'Maths and Sport: Countdown to the Games'. Developed by the award-winning Millennium Mathematics Project at the University of Cambridge, 'Maths and Sport: Countdown to the Games' celebrates London 2012 with free online mathematical articles and activities exploring maths and science through the Olympic and Paralympic Games, aimed at a wide audience from school students and their teachers to members of the public.

'Maths and Sport: Countdown to the Games' has been awarded the prestigious Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme. The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises exceptional and innovative projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said:

“‘Maths + Sport: Countdown to the Games’ will encourage young people to fulfil their potential. I am proud that partners such as the University of Cambridge’s Millennium Mathematics Project are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in education.”