Teachers should plan lessons around the Olympics to get students excited, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson said today.
The Paralympian said schools needed to prepare now to make the most of next year's Games.
She said: "We are not getting an Olympics again in our lifetimes so let's make the most of it. One-and-a-half years in school terms feels like a long time away, but you have to drip feed it.
"Ideas around the Olympics can fit into lesson plans such as geography and history. We need to get youngsters thinking about Olympic ideals and how they can be part of the Games - do they want to watch or volunteer?"
She also urged clubs and schools to prepare themselves for an influx of young people wanting to take up Olympic sports next year.
"I saw it in 1992 when Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell won golds, and again at the World Championships. We had about 150 children turning up at Cardiff athletic club wanting to be the next Colin Jackson."
Dame Tanni also urged athletes to visit schools more often. She spoke today at the North of England education conference in Blackpool.
