Oxfordshire community groups have high hopes for a national campaign aiming to use the Olympics to inspire people to volunteer.

The 25th Hour campaign encourages people to give up 60 minutes of their time in the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympic Games.

As an added incentive, those who give up their time could also be rewarded. Giveaways include 2,012 tickets to the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony in 2012.

Director of Rowing at Oxford Brookes University Richard Spratley has coached five rowers who have gone on to win Olympic gold medals.

And he hopes to see nine current and past Oxford Brookes students compete in the 2012 London Olympics.

He said the campaign was an excellent idea and that the Olympics will teach Oxfordshire about drive and determination.

He added: “As long as people get into it and enjoy it, it should lay an infrastructure for future generations.”

Claire Jones, youth volunteer development manager at Oxfordshire Children and Voluntary Youth Services (OCVYS), said: “It is going to encourage people to get involved with sports and cultural opportunities.

“We are currently hoping to develop more Olympic-inspired volunteer opportunities. It is about developing a sense of community, getting involved and being proud of where you live.”

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: “We are looking at possible ways of getting volunteers involved in the work that is being done in relation to the Olympics in Oxfordshire.

“The County Council strongly supports and encourages volunteering.”

Chairman of the organising committee of the Olympic Games, Lord Sebastian Coe, said: “Our vision is to use the power of the Games to inspire lasting change.

“They offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something extraordinary, to inspire everyone to use their passion to help others.

“The 25th Hour will allow all of us to make a contribution and achieve our own personal best.”

  • If you would like to find out more about volunteering with OCVYS, e-mail vteam@ocvys.org or call 01865 600983.