OKEHAMPTON Sports and Fitness Festival in 2015 attracted more than 3,000 participants and this years exciting programme will attract even more.

Organised by local recreation charity OCRA, working with clubs, groups, individuals  and activity facilities, the festival has 50 different events for all ages and abilities.

The festival, which is on between July 2 to 17, will be a mixture of have-a-go sessions, challenges, competitions and special offers with a focus on fun and enjoyment. A chance to meet new people and also get together with family and friends at  events. The festival kicks off with the Oke Skate Jam with Skatewarehouse, that will see young people  from all over the South West gather for skateboarding, BMX and scooters.

New events this year include yoga, activities for 0-5 year olds, Cycle Sportive Challenge of 70 and 100 kilometres, weightlifting competition and have a go sessions at golf, trampolining, bowls, mountain bike skills, triathlon, interval training and a kids rugby session with Exeter Chiefs.

Stuart Lord from OCRA said: ’This festival really celebrates Active Okehampton and our communities fantastic sporting and activity environment. The main fun day this year is on July 10 with competitions and activities for all ages that also includes runs, gymnastics, football, hockey, tennis, trampolining, dance, free swim, music, arts, inflatables, get hold of a free programme at www.ocrasport.org.uk and at locations around the area and check out the array of events, there really is something for everybody.

’There is also special needs events including Pop Up Puzzletree Multis Sports and Activity Day and an activity and social SNAP session.

‘There’s a chance to try all sorts of fitness sessions and martial arts from Nordic walking to Thai boxing, HIIT Interval training to walk and talk, pilates to judo, tai chi to the challenging bleep test - ”how far can you go”’.

‘Sports Festival events in schools also include Hatherleigh Cricket Festival, 1 Life Swimming Gala  and an  aquathalon. Tennis and gymnastic clubs area also asking children to bring their parents along so that they can also be active in the sessions.

There is also showing at the OCRA Pavilion for free throughout the Festival the innovative short  film Beneath 360 directed by Amanda Bluglass showing diver Tom Daley as you have never seen him before

Competitions are open to all and include rounders, badminton, football (mens, womens and veterans), hockey, netball, cycle time trial and squash.