THERE are even more opportunities to take a sporting chance and get involved in the forthcoming Okehampton?s Sports and Fitness Festival, say organisers OCRA who this year offer the widest programme yet.

The week of activities starts next Thursday, July 8, and runs through to Wednesday July 14. It will be hosted at various venues around the town. This is the sixth time OCRA has staged its ?sports week? in conjunction with local sports clubs.

Stuart Lord, OCRA sports development officer, said this year there would be a wide range of sporting activities, split between ?have-a-go? sessions for beginners and team competitions. Many of the activities will be free of charge.

There will again be an open five-a-side football competition for men?s and women?s teams, plus a netball tournament, and mixed rounders and hockey tournaments.

For those inspired by Wimbledon, there will be men?s and women?s doubles tournaments as well as drop-in sessions for those who want to play for fun.

Stuart said he hoped this year?s programme offered ?something for every age group?. Youngsters will be catered for, with a skate-boarding and BMX biking event at the town skate park.

Other activities on offer are basketball, archery, climbing, assault course, trampolining, gymnastics, fencing, bowls and squash. There will be a broad range of martial arts courses on offer during the festival, including judo, tae-kwon-do and karate.

There will also be a free swimming session and a special offer through the week of a free induction at the fitness suite at Okehampton College, as well as a 50% reduction on hire of badminton courts during the week.

For those who prefer things a little more sedate, there are a number of walks around the town and surrounding areas and sessions in yoga, pilates and a lunchtime Tai Chi session which promises to ?improve everyday movements and balance, co-ordination and free up your body?.

Another innovation is the chance to go kayaking at Alder Lake. There will also be a fishing competition at Spiers Lake, North Tawton.

For further details about any of the activities contact OCRA on 01837 54546 or pick up a full programme from Freedom Sports in Fore Street.