THE OLYMPIC spirit was alive and kicking in Oxford yesterday as the curtain came down on the London 2012 Games.

Bury Knowle Park in Headington played host to the Oxford Family Sports Day as hundreds of people tried their hands at different activities.

Organised by Oxford City Council , the event featured almost 20 different activities, along with dancing demonstrations and other games to encourage more people to take up sport.

There was a whole host of sports on offer ranging from tennis and football to karate and lacrosse.

Mark Lygo, the city council’s executive board member for parks and sports, said: “We have had about 1,500 people here today. There is that real feelgood factor here.

“Since the Olympics everyone has been asking about our sports projects and signing up for our classes. We are really looking to seize the initiative.”

There was the chance to take part in a whole host of sports such as fencing, squash and table tennis as well as workshops for Brazilian martial art capoeira, tai chi and Zumba.

Music was playing and there were several food stalls as well as tents where people could get information about getting involved in sport.

Kidlington-based table tennis coach Karl Bushell said: “We have had so many enquiries since the Olympics have started. We have been absolutely inundated.”

Five-year-old Pranav Mehta from Bulan Road tried his hand at a bit of squash.

He said: “I have been doing the face painting, playing squash and I have been dancing as well. I enjoyed the squash the most.

“I really like tennis and I watched it during the Olympics as well as the boxing.”

Witney-based squash coach Julie Peachey said: “We are hoping squash will be an Olympic sport in 2020 so we are trying to get as many young people involved as possible. We have brought a mini squash wall and smaller racquets.”

As well as young and old people taking part in sports a large crowd turned out to soak up the atmosphere.

Steve Fear came from Abingdon to enjoy the sporting atmosphere.

The 59-year-old said: “I have been getting into the Olympics and I had a go at one or two of the games, but I found it quite difficult!”