After the Olympics, sports clubs encouraged to help public Join In Local Sport this weekend (+ video)

Following an astonishing Olympic fortnight in which sport has taken centre stage in Great Britain as never before, sports clubs and community groups are being urged to help the nation get off the sofa and get active this coming weekend by the charity Join In Local Sport.

The government funded charity which is supported by national Sports Councils and governing bodies throughout the UK as well as other organisations is looking to harness the huge interest in sport created by London 2012 and Great Britain's success at the Games.

"Join In Local Sport is all about going back to where it began for every Team GB athlete – their local sports club," says the organsiation on its website. "It’s a celebration of everyone who helps to make an Olympian: from the coaches to the tea ladies, the competitors to the volunteers and supporters.

"No host country has done anything like this before. It will be the UK’s biggest ever celebration of grassroots sport – and we need you to make it as great as possible.

"On 18/19th August, Join In Local Sport will encourage the nation to head down to where it starts for every great champion – their local sports club," it adds.

"The aim of Join In is for every sports club or community group in the UK to put on a special event or activity on the Join In Weekend – capturing the enthusiasm for sport that we know this summer's sporting events will generate.

"Whether clubs want to sign up more members, supporters or volunteers, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attract local people who may never have come to their club before. And Join In will help them to do it."

As comedian Eddie Izzard, puts it in this short promotional film, "Now is the time to make one weekend last a lifetime!"

Sports clubs and other organisations wanting to publicise their events can register on the site and post details, while people looking for a local activity can search by location, sport, date and age group.

Seb Coe, chair of London 2012, has given his endorsement to the initiative, saying: "We are really happy to support Join In. Millions will be inspired this summer and I hope this creates opportunities in every community for people to join in their local sports clubs."