WITH tomorrow marking 500 days to go to the London Paralympics 2012, a range of fun activities have been laid on for aspiring disabled athletes.

Over the next 18 months the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership will encourage people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity.

Fun activities include a golf day at Hinksey Heights Golf Club, near South Hinksey, on May 5 and a ‘have a go’-style sports day for adults with learning disabilities at Horspath Athletic Track on June 7.

James Craggs, disability and inclusive sports development officer at the partnership, said: “All of the events over the next few months will be fun and inspiring giving people with a disability the chance to try new sports and learn skills which can be further developed in the community throu-ghout the year.”

Other events include a county wide disability sports festival for young people who have shown high ability in sport, on July 7 and 13. Talented athletes will be given advice on joining bigger clubs and performance squads.

A “Parallel Youth” event for special school pupils aged between 11 and 16 will be held at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre on July 1.

Mr Craggs said: “ It will be a fun day where pupils take part in skills challenges, fun circuits and friendly competitions as well as receiving expert sports coaching.

“Sports that will be time-tabled for the day include Boccia, which is a type of ball game, new age curling and table cricket and much much more.”

The Oxfordshire Sports Partnership supports disability sports clubs and groups throughout the county to promote sporting opportunities to people with disabilities.

Paul Guest, who works with disabled young people at Oxsrad, the Oxford and District Sports and Recreation Association, welcomed the news.

Mr Guest said: “We help the trampoline users on to the trampoline and either bounce with them or teach them how to. It is a really good, fun activity, and many members benefit from it.”

Visit oxfordshire sport.org or call 01865 252676