Schools across Sandwell are getting set to go global for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by supporting a team from around the world.

Launched by Seb Coe at Perryfields Primary School, Oldbury, last week (November 16), the 'Support a Team' initiative is aimed at celebrating how sport can bring nations of the world together.

So while cheering on Team GB and Paralympics GB, children will also have the chance to learn more about other nations of the world.

Through 'Support a Team', the London Organising Committee of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is inviting every school in the country to become a supporter of at least one Olympic team and one Paralympic team from elsewhere in the world.

Perryfields is supporting the Ethiopian Olympic team and the Zambian Paralympic team.

Get Set is the official London 2012 education programme and it offers the opportunity for schools and colleges across the United Kingdom to join the Get Set network, in order to gain access to lots of rewards and recognition.

Schools and colleges that join the Get Set network before December 16 will receive an allocation of free tickets to the Olympic and Paralympic Games for students aged 10–18.

Perryfields Primary head teacher Terry Jones said: "We were incredibly honoured for the school to be chosen to launch the 'Support a Team' intiative. We're all gearing up for the Olympics next year, with special activity taking place every 100 days to go.

"We already have links with a school in Zambia, and will look forward to celebrating these over the coming year and developing sporting opportunities for the school wherever possible."

LOCOG chair, Seb Coe said: "We have always said that we want every Olympic and Paralympic team to feel welcome on their arrival in the UK, while celebrating the multi-culturalism and diversity of the UK. This is a fantastic example of how we plan to do that.

"The Get Set programme continues to inspire and engage young people across the UK and I am delighted to think that through 'Support a Team', we will have a knowledgeable, interested and excited group of young supporters to welcome our athletes in 2012. I would urge all schools to select their teams now."

Haile Gebrselassie, Olympic gold medal winning athlete, said: "I am delighted to hear that young people will be learning about and supporting my fellow Ethiopian athletes in the lead-up to the London 2012 Games.

"Knowing that there are young people following your preparations and cheering you on is hugely motivational for an athlete. Thank you to the young people at Perryfields Primary School, and to all of the other young people planning to follow Ethiopia, for your support."

Councillor Bob Badham, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children & families, said: "It's wonderful to see Sandwell not only on the Olympic Torch route but also our schools taking such an active role. The Olympics is all about nations coming together."

Get Set is a comprehensive learning resource, that offers a range of opportunities and resources to schools in the United Kingdom. More information can be found online at www.london2012.com/getset.

Earlier this month, LOCOG announced that Oldbury, West Bromwich and Smethwick in Sandwell would all be on the Olympic Torch Relay route on June 30 2012.

More information at www.london2012.com