Hundreds of Oxfordshire schoolchildren are being offered a kickstart to the 2012 Olympics with an event at Blenheim Palace.

More than 300 seven- to 12-year-olds have been invited to the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials next month to find out more about the sport.

As well as getting up close with some equine stars, there will also be a chance to try out a variety of Olympic and Paralympic sports.

It has been organised in association with the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership.

Sports development officer Tristan Hale said: “Over the last few years there has been great work in schools to give children competitive sports opportunities.

“This kicks off an inspiring year for competitive sport.”

An interactive sports participation area – the BTFanZone – will be set up and the youngsters will get to try, among other sports, fencing, volleyball and handball.

Mr Hale said: “We’ve been doing a lot of work trying to give children a chance to try less traditional sports. It’s massively exciting and the kids will enjoy it.”

Children from 10 schools will attend the event.

The main Olympic sport on offer at the horse trials is eventing – a sport in which Team GB is expected to excel at London 2012.

Some of the children will have a chance to spend time with young up-and-coming riders learning more about the sport.

Horse trials director Mandy Hervieu said: “The children can learn first-hand what it’s like to jump the obstacles that typically make up the country phase.

“They can also question British Eventing Team performance manager Yogi Breisner and some of our Olympic hopefuls.”

The event takes place on Friday, September 9, with the horse trials running from September 8 to 11.

Youngsters from St Christopher’s, Church Cowley, St Francis and East Oxford primaries in Oxford, Oxford Spires Academy, Dr Radcliffe’s Primary in Steeple Aston, Tower Hill and Madley Brook primaries in Witney, Bladon Primary and King’s Meadow Primary School in Bicester will take part.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk