THE countdown to next year’s London Olympics is set to begin in earnest in Oxford this weekend with a day of sporting activities.

The Oxford Family Sports Day, being held in South Park, East Oxford, on Sunday as part of the Olympic Open Weekend, will offer people the chance to try out various sports for free.

The aim is to inspire people to look towards the Olympics – which will begin on July 27 next year – and consider taking up sports.

Among those taking part on Sunday will be 21-year-old boxing enthusiast Kirsty Beer – the current Miss Oxford.

She will be demonstrating boxing with the Oxford Martial Arts Academy, where she trains.

She said: “I think the event is great. It gives everyone the opportunity to try out things they would not otherwise do.

“We will be down there with our big sumo suits, so it will be fun as well as serious sport.”

She said she had not managed to get tickets for any of the Olympic events yet, which she was “gutted” about, but hoped to have an opportunity to watch some gymnastics when more tickets go on sale.

Miss Beer said: “I’m hoping Sunday will have a family feel and people will have the confidence to try out something new.”

The free event has been organised by Oxford City Council. The executive member for parks and sports, Mark Lygo, said: “Taking part in these activities will enable people to have fun and discover their inner sporting talent. This event is also a fantastic opportunity to realise the number of sporting and leisure opportunities available in Oxford.

“The sports day will significantly add to Oxford’s Olympic legacy and I hope that everyone who attends is inspired by the Olympic values in one way or another.”