Aussie kids urged to go for gold

The federal government has launched two new sport initiatives that will align with the London Olympic Games in a bid to encourage Australian children to become more active.

The Prime Minister's Olympic and Paralympic Challenges aim to get children to compete for gold, silver and bronze while the Olympic and Paralympic Games are on in London in 2012.

The Olympic Challenge will see primary school children accumulate points when they take part in a sport at either individual, school or community level.

The Paralympic Challenge will offer children and teachers the opportunity to learn more about Australia's Paralympians.

The programs will operate from May until September 2012.