The Sports Heritage Network (SHN) was established in 2003 to promote interest in Britain's unique sports heritage. In 2006 a major survey of Britain's sporting heritage was undertaken and a report was produced by SHN. The 'Hood ' report identified over 400 sports heritage collections in museums, libraries and archives throughout the country.

The culimation of this work resulted in 'Our Sporting Life' - an Inspired by London 2012 Olympic Games project.

Through a series of Exhibitions across the UK, Our Sporting Life is a unique and ambitious celebration of British Sport. It is the first project of its kind to salute sport from grass roots to Olympic podia and will culminate in the world's greatest exhibition on the history of sport as the Olympic and Paralympic Games are launched in London in 2012.