The Olympic gold medallists were speaking at the 13th Youth Sport Trust 2010 Sports Colleges Conference, which was attended by key decision-makers in PE, sport and education across the UK.

In its manifesto published entitled "Positioning sport at the heart of school life", the YST outlines the importance of investment and continuing development of school sport.

Lewis, the Sydney 2000 heptathlon champion, and Campbell, a member of the 4x100 metres relay team that claimed the Olympic title in Athens in 2004, claimed that this is essential not just to increase participation in sport but to create future British champions.

Lewis said: “I have always believed in school sport; that is where you can find the next Olympians and the next British gold medallists and I am a product of that.

“It’s such a healthy time for young people to be involved in sport right now with London 2012 around the corner ready to inspire the nation and it is so important that we make the most of these Games by getting as many young children as possible playing sport in schools in order to keep fit and active.”

Campbell (pictured) said: "My motive for being involved in Youth Sport Trust is the knowledge of what sport has given me from a young age.

"Sport is one of those things that can transcend barriers and even though everyone might not make it as an Olympic gold medallist, sport is so important to keep fit, keep healthy and enjoy with your friends.

"London 2012 will create a legacy that will inspire more and more people to take up sport and that is why investment in school sports both right now and after of the 2012 Games is essential."

As well as YST ambassadors Campbell and Lewis, the conference was also attended by triple jump gold medallist and world record holder Jonathan Edwards, London 2012 Director of Paralympic Integration Chris Holmes, world gymnastics champion Beth Tweddle and Paralympic archery gold medallist Danielle Brown.

Steve Grainger, the chief executive of YST, told insidethegames: "This is not just about investing in sport to win medals; this is about investing in sport because of the things that all kids can gain from sport.

"Sport can get kids more physically active, teaches them important skills that can help them gain employment, helps them to build their self-esteem and helps them to build their confidence.

"The things we want kids to leave school with are exactly the same things we want high level athletes to have such as commitment, understanding of fair play and discipline.

"This isn’t just about investing in sport for sports sake; it’s about investing in sport because of the things that sport can give back."

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