Under starters orders already for one of next year's local sporting events.

The River Hamble Games is a one day sporting extravaganza to be held on 21st July 2012 organised by a committee of enthusiastic local residents. It is intended for the wider local community to enjoy and draws its inspiration from the 2012 Olympics.

The River Hamble Games is supported by Hampshire County Council and the River Hamble Harbour Authority and will involve Swimming, Rowing, Kayaking, Sailing and Running.

There will be maximum 20 Teams competing on the day and Teams are invited to register via the website at www.riverhamblegames.com. Each Team will be made up of up to 26 competitors and age ranges from 12 upwards can take part.

If not already part of a Team individual competitors can enter a single event or more than one event and the organisers will assign them to a Team.

Events are: Sailing Racing will be just outside the River at Cat Head and the event base will be split between Warsash Sailing Club and Hamble River Sailing Club.

Rowing: Rowing will be in the River based at Bursledon Gigs. Each team can enter a maximum of two boats and races will be run in heats culminating in a grand final.

Kayaking: Also on the river and Kayaks will be available for loan on the day. Racing will be organized from Hamble side of the river, launching off the foreshore over a slalom course. Heats will culminate in a grand final.

Swimming: Swimming will be based along Warsash shore of the River, Distances will be 1500m or 500m and u16’s are eligible for 500m only.

Running: Running will start from Hamble foreshore. Distances will be 5k and 10k over on and offroad terrain.

The event plans to raise money for charitable causes such as the Hamble Lifeboat, John Merricks Sailing Trust and other local causes and is looking for sponsors to give support in any way they can. Orgainsors are looking for volunteers to help on the day. Please contact info@riverhamblegames.com