Figures revealed that of the 104,463 participants, 48.72 per cent were female, while 37.79 per cent were from black and minority ethnic groups (BAME), in line with London's population breakdown.

There were also 4,677 disabled participants involved in the Games.

The incorporation of new schools competitions as part of the nationwide School Games programme was an important factor in boosting 2012's take up, with participation figures rising significantly from 2011's then top numbers of 71,025.

A record number of 1,677 schools took part in 80 competitions during the 2012 Games, 20 more than last year.

Youth sailor Courtney Bilbrough (right), who competes for the London borough of Tower Hamlets, with the Olympic gold medal winning sailor Pippa Wilson

London Youth Games chairman Anthony Kendall said: "It has been a real landmark year in the history of the London Youth Games.

"The [2012] London Olympic and Paralympic Games...engendered a huge abundance of enthusiasm for competitive sport and the London Youth Games is the outlet for that spirit.

"It is now really important that we build on the momentum of London 2012 and continue to grow our competition, cultural and volunteer programmes so that by 2016, pupils from every London borough will be involved in the London Youth Games."

Forty-three former London Youth Games competitors – including Mo Farah, David Weir and Bradley Wiggins – took part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games winning nine gold medals.

The London Youth Games are Europe's largest annual youth sports event offering 80 competitions in 31 sports for young people aged between six and 19 from all of London's 33 boroughs.

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