Students have pledged to inspire hundreds of youngsters to get into sport.

The Union of University of East Anglia Students has pledged to work with 500 primary school age children by offering taster sessions and demonstrations of different sports.

The initiative is part of Active Norfolk's Inspire Mark project Pledge 2012 which aims to encourage people to get fit and active in the run-up to London 2012.

As part of their pledge, the union's sports clubs plan to host a series of sports events in schools next month.

Matt Myles, from the union, said: 'The Union of UEA Students is really keen to work with the local community, and Active Norfolk's Pledge 2012 campaign has been a great way to encourage our sports clubs to go into local schools to give children a taster of sports that they may not have tried before.

'We've had a great response from students and local schools and over 500 children will be trying a new sport through this project.'

The project will provide a number of opportunities for schoolchildren to engage in new sports which may capture their interest.

UEA students will be go into schools in Norwich and provide taster sessions in sports including athletics, ballet, dancesport, orienteering, korfball and ultimate frisbee.

It is hoped the scheme will help children in Norwich become more active and to increase UEA students' involvement with the community.

Vicki Hall, from Active Norfolk, said: 'We're pleased to support the Union of UEA students with their pledge of working with young people giving them the opportunity to try out new sports and activities.

'London 2012 will ensure there is a huge interest in sport this year and we really want to capture that excitement. We are looking for more organisations to get involved and make a pledge to ensure an Olympic legacy in Norfolk.'

Hundreds of people across Norfolk have already signed up to Pledge 2012, which is run in association with Norfolk County Council and NHS Norfolk and supported by the Eastern Daily Press and BBC Radio Norfolk.

Pledges can be anything from running a mile to hiking up a mountain.

Several of the pledges have been focused around having fun. For example, Louise from Lowestoft has pledged to try new ways of exercising and to enjoy the experience.

Others have been made with particular goals in mind. Richard from Norwich has set himself the challenge to shed a stone by the time the 2012 Games kick off, and Shane from Hethersett intends to run at least five kilometres a week in order to improve his level of fitness and help reach his BMI target.

All the pledges, including photos and videos can be viewed at www.pledge2012.com, so log on today and make your pledge.

kate.scotter@archant.co.uk