CHILDREN and young people with special needs can have fun, socialise, develop new skills and make new friends thanks to an inclusive sports event in Simmons Park this weekend.

Special Needs Activities in the Park — or SNAP — is hosting its first event in the new OCRA sports pavilion in the park on Sunday, September 15 from 3pm to 5pm. Youngsters taking part will have the opportunity to try lots of different activities including fencing, dance, singing, tennis, boccia, multisports, morris dancing, a samba band and much more.

The event has been developed by OCRA and local parents, and has been supported by Puzzle Tree, Okehampton Children's Centre, Parklands Leisure Centre, Okehampton Tennis Club, North Tamar Fencing Club and Active Devon. Funding support has come from DAISI Soundwaves Music project and the Community Games, a legacy project celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Stuart Lord, OCRA manager, said: 'The aim is to develop from this event more regular activity sessions. Children of all ages and young people up to 25 years old with special needs from any community are welcome to come along to this Okehampton opening of SNAP.'

If you would like more information about the event or how to get involved in future events, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] or call Shirley and Mike on 01837 65990.

A programme of the event is available online at http://www.ocrasport.org.uk">www.ocrasport.org.uk