Our Sporting Life - a nationwide programme of 100 events designed to explore the UK's sporting heritage - has launched with the unveiling of a new exhibition in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Jonny Wilkinson's Rugby World Cup-winning ball, a football used in the first Olympic final and 1930s football etiquette are among artefacts that have been put on display as part of Our Sporting Life Henley.
Located at the town's River and Rowing Museum, other exhibits include items related to the history of Henley Town Football Club, an account of Atlantic rowers and photographs of a champion croquet player who lost both his arms in World War One.
Both the British Olympic Association (BOA) and the British Paralympic Association have contributed objects to the exhibition, which forms part of the wider Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) initiative.
Highlights from each of the UK-wide exhibitions will help to form one of the largest ever collections of sporting memorabilia, which will be held in London for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The People's Record, which aims to bring the UK's museums, libraries and archives together to connect with eyewitness stories ahead of the 2012 Games, and the Sports Heritage Network are also involved.
Other partners include the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England, English Heritage and VisitBritain, while Sports Heritage Network members include the National Football Museum and the MCC Museum and Lord's cricket ground.
MLA chief executive Roy Clare said: "Linking creative organisations across the country, Our Sporting Life presents a wide range of opportunities for engaging the public and inviting the participation of individuals and communities."
"The various activities will make a substantial contribution to the festivities that will infuse the Cultural Festival being planned in conjunction with the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Image: Museum curator Suzie Tilbury with the football used in the 1908 Olympic final and the ball dropped kicked by Jonny Wilkinson to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final - Adrian Brooks
