The chairman of a rowing group is calling for sports clubs across the city to band together and create Oxford's first ever sports week.

Peter Travis, of the Oxford Falcons, wants sports organisations of all types and sizes to club together to show people what sporting opportunities there are in the city and encourage them to get fit.

It is hoped the idea, based on the Oxfordshire Art Weeks festival currently taking place, would give sports groups the opportunity to exhibit themselves in a series of open days and give people a chance to get a taster to see if they want to become member of a club.

Mr Travis said: "People just don't know what sports and clubs are around in Oxford.

"Clubs need to raise their profile and tell people what they have to offer.

"With obesity levels so high across the country, it's crucial to get men, women and children active again.

"Every single sports club from across the city should open its doors to the public and get them interested in sports again.

"The art world is vastly more capable at organising events and raising awareness of themselves and we need to follow suit."

Oxfordshire Art Weeks was started in 1982 when it featured a handful of artists opening the doors of their studios but now has almost 400 exhibitors.

As an experiment to see how successful a sport week could become, eight Oxfordshire boat clubs are pooling together to hold a joint open day in two weeks time.

Mr Travis said: "It's crucial these days to get kids active and passionate about something.

"But it's also vital to get adults and over 50s back into sport for the health and social benefits."

"There are sports around that people know nothing about.

"We need a directory of sports clubs and associations so people know where to find club profiles and contact details."

"Every club needs members but we're not out there banging the drum for ourselves.

"We're doing our own open day to see what happens.

"If our eight clubs can do it, we suspect a whole lot more can do it too.

"I think we could act as a precedent for the whole country."

Richard Beer, sports development officer at Oxfordshire Sports Partnership, said: "The principal is a good idea.

"I've not heard of a sports week being run in another city or county before.

"The idea of a sports week would tick a lot people's boxes but the challenge is to co-ordinate and promote it to make it a success.

"It's a very exciting idea. Sports clubs provide an excellent social opportunity and are a brilliant way to feel connected to your local community."

Any sports clubs that are interested in being involved in a future Oxford Sports Week should email info@oxfordshiresport.org Clubs taking part in the open day at Donnington Bridge, on June 7 include Oxford Falcons, Oxford Sea Cadets, Isis Canoe Club, City Barge Gondoliers, 22nd Sea Scouts and Oxfordshire Bangladeshi Boat Club.