The 52-year-old former world featherweight champion and his son, professional boxing trainer Shane McGuigan, were joined by Olympic swimmer Adam Whitehead and two-time Paralympic judo medallist Ian Rose to launch the Take 12 challenge.

The challenge asks 12,000 people from London 2012 Host Boroughs to complete either 12 hours of physical activity or cover 12 kilometres over a 12 week period.

As part of the challenge, the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy will run a series of training sessions for almost 1,200 people while Total Swimming will give free swimming lessons to more than 1,000 local residents at the "Make a Splash" pop-up pool.

Make A Splash is a programme delivered by Total Swimming as part of the Mayor of London's Sports Legacy Fund.

"The Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy is totally committed and determined to build upon the Olympic legacy to create a sustainable future for all our citizens through sport," said McGuigan.

"This project encapsulates exactly the underlying ethos of our Academy, which is, to use sport to inspire and motivate people of all ages and to send a clear message that sport is for everyone, so jump on-board towards a healthier, happy life."

The Challenge got underway with the McGuigan team leading the first boxing sessions for 100 people at Score Community Centre in Waltham Forest in East London.


Whitehead also launched the Make A Splash pool and took a group of residents for a free swimming lesson at the mobile pool, which will be in Waltham Forest until April 11 this year.

The Take 12 Challenge is being run in partnership between the London Legacy Development Corporation and sports charity Gold Challenge.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who is also chairman of the Legacy Company, has backed the legacy challenge.

"The formidable Barry McGuigan has laid down the challenge for hundreds of people to get the gloves on, get into the ring and box their way into shape," said Johnson.

"His Academy, and the Take 12 Challenge, are two great examples of how we hope to turn the inspiration of our 2012 athletes into a lasting legacy for London, making the capital fitter, healthier and happier."

In addition to the boxing and swimming lessons, the Take 12 Challenge will give residents suggested routes around the boroughs to help people complete the 12km and help them find local classes and clubs to complete the 12 hours of physical activity.

Pilots have already shown that this is an effective way of helping people get started and make exercise part of their routine.

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