Rugby union player Jonathan Spencer and rower Helen Ellison, took part in the event on 11 November at Lord’s Cricket Ground, which was led by Frances Houghton, a graduate of King’s College London who won a silver medal in the women’s rowing quadruple sculls at the Athens Olympics this summer.

“As a sportswoman, I know how important support is when competing, so I can think of nothing better for our athletes than to be performing in front of a home crowd,” explained Helen.

London’s universities have offered more than 12,000 rooms to support the technical and support staff needed to run the games, as well as providing volunteers and volunteer training. International students in London will also provide translation services for Olympic guests from around the world.

Neil Mosley, head of sport and leisure, added: “The support of London’s universities and colleges is vital to the 2012 bid. There are 350,000 higher education students in the capital from more than 200 countries, proving a broad cultural base of support for the Olympic ethos.

“Bringing the games to London will also be a great advantage for our graduates, staff and future students, who will benefit from the new facilities created for the event.”

The event was organised by London Higher, an umbrella organisation for London higher education institutions.