MORE than 35 different events covering a wide variety of sports are being organised for this year's Okehampton Sports Week which takes place from July 8-14.

Among the events being held are football tournaments, squash, badminton, rounders, netball and hockey tournaments, plus a fishing competition.

Organisers hope there will be something for everybody with a putting competition for aspiring golfers, plus fencing sessions and tennis coaching. Another of the highlights of Okehampton Sports Week will be a major swimming gala.

Okehampton Community Recreation Association — OCRA — who are organising the week of sporting activity are appealing for teams in all manner of sports to come forward for the tournaments being organised at various venues around the town.

A number of 'have a go' sessions to give people a chance to try out sports they have never played before. Sports on offer include bowls, golf, squash and karate.

There are also chances to try climbing, gorge scrambling and trial exercise classes. There will be a variety of walks on Dartmoor, including one discovering myths and legends of the moor.

There are also extreme skating and BMX demonstrations and activities taking place throughout the week.

'The week is aimed at everybody, whatever your age and ability,' said Stuart Lord, of OCRA, who are organising the events in conjunction with sporting groups in the area.

This will be the fourth Okehampton Sports Week, and organisers are hoping to exceed last year's total of 1,200 participants.

Mr Lord said lottery funding from Awards for All had allowed organisers to keep many of the events free of charge. The week has also been well supported by local businesses.

There will be lots of coaching workshops taking place during the week, with many top coaches going into Okehampton Primary and Secondary School to pass on their expertise to students.

Coaches from Plymouth Raiders basketball team, Exeter City football club and a top-flight cricket coach will be amongst those taking part.

Anyone who wants more details about the events taking place during Okehampton Sports Week can contact Stuart Lord of OCRA on 07901 827126, or pick up an events programme form SJ Sports in Fore Street, Okehampton.