TEMPERATURES may be heading south but that has not deterred hardy souls from enjoying Oxford’s latest outdoor attraction.

A giant multisport gym or ‘adiZone’ has opened in Marston, complete with basketball, football and tennis facilities, a climbing wall, and outdoor gym, and space for gymnastics, aerobics and dance.

And the gym, which is open to use at any time, is free.

The 625 square metre sports area – one of several being installed across the country – is part of the London 2012 Olympic Games preparations. It has been funded by the Government and sports equipment company Adidas.

The facilities, at Court Place Farm, were officially opened this week by Oxford Olympic hopeful Holly Holden. The 18-year-old, from Headington, competes in rowing and sculling and has been the national single sculls champion for the last two years.

She said: “It’s great to see such an excellent facility opening in Oxford, which both children and adults can enjoy.

“I hope it will get more people involved and interested in sport and also support athletes like myself at the Olympic Games.”

On Saturday, members of city sports clubs were on hand to show residents how the equipment could be used.

Activities included a dancing demonstration from Keilee School of Dancing, a gymnastics display, a football match and a demonstration by Blackbird Leys Boxing Club.

Members of Oxford Brookes University’s climbing wall group demonstrated the climbing equipment.

Mark Lygo, the city council’s executive member for sport, play and school liaison, said: “The adiZone is for the people of Oxford, both young and old, and it will help encourage a variety of sports and healthy living in the area.

“The 2012 Olympics are just around the corner and this is the start of celebrating the Olympics in Oxford.”

He said the adiZone is also a venue where young people can meet socially while being encouraged to play sports.

Oxford City Council secured funding through the Government’s co-location fund.

AdiZones were initially installed by Adidas in four of the London 2012 host boroughs, and are now being introduced to towns and cities across the UK.