OVER 1,000 youngsters will come to Okehampton this Sunday for the prestigious South West Youth Games this Sunday, July 9 — with plenty for local people to come and enjoy too as it kicks off the Okehampton Sports and Fitness Festival.

The games will attracts hundreds of young people to Simmons Park to compete in 15 different sports.

Held in Simmons Park and making full use of the facilities at the OCRA Pavilion in the Park, the event promises to be a great spectacle.

In between the sport there will be rides and attractions, a climbing wall, have-a-go sports, inflatables, stalls, a free swim session at Parklands Leisure Centre and a range of refreshments.

Stuart Lord from OCRA said: ‘We are proud to be selected to host and run the 18th year of the South West Youth Games, which offers a unique and inspirational multi-sport experience for able bodied and disabled six to 18 year olds to represent their district.

‘It also promotes Okehampton as a great sporting venue that can host such an event all on one site. Along with local clubs, OCRA has also been busy putting together Team West Devon.

‘This is made up from local young people in rugby, netball, cyclo-cross, hockey, dance, ability sports, athletics, triathlon, badminton, tennis, gymnastics, football and cricket.

‘Please come along on the day to support all participants, with Team West Devon in the blue t-shirts. There’s also a wide range of activities and attractions for local people to enjoy, so come along.

‘I’d like to say a big thanks to all the local clubs and coaches supporting the teams, dancers and OCRA and Okehampton College sports young leaders involved in the day. Thanks also to West Devon Borough Council, Fusion, Tavistock Community Sports Centre, Parklands, Stags and Okehampton College for their much needed support.’

The teams compete for the overall South West Youth Games title and fair play trophy, which was won in 2016 by Team West Devon. Participants get free transport, a t-shirt and get the chance to win medals declaring them the best in the South West.

The Youth Games Street Sports was held in June at Mount Hawke and run by local skate specialists Skate Warehouse.

The scores will be carried forward to the overall total at Sunday’s event.

The day also celebrates over 20 volunteers improving opportunities for young people across Devon and the big part that sport coaches, young leaders and voluntary groups play in training, supporting young people and making events happen.

The Youth Games has an opening ceremony at 9.30am and a closing ceremony at 4pm with free entry.

The Youth Games kick-starts a fantastic array of sports and activity opportunities for everyone with the Okehampton Sports and Fitness Festival running from July 9 to 22.

Over this period there will be over 40 different events, have-a-go sessions, challenges, special offers and competitions.

You can download the programme of events from the OCRA Facebook page or pick up a copy from Parklands Leisure Centre, the OCRA Pavilion in the Park or a number of other outlets in the town.