Sports lovers from around the city will congregate for a major Olympics event in Blackbird Leys this summer.

The Pegasus Olympics on Saturday, July 7, plans to bring together hundreds of residents for a free day of sport in the heart of the estate.

It will happen two days before the Olympic torch travels through Blackbird Leys.

The event is being organised by Pegasus School, but clubs from around the city are also planning to take part.

Paul Brackett, who last year ran his 100th marathon, is helping the school bring back an old tradition from the estate – the Blackbird Leys Mile.

He said: “The mile goes back to the 1980s and 90s, but it hasn’t been around for at least 10 years.

“It used to be on a Saturday afternoon in the summer and adults and children would take part, running around the park. It was a lot of fun.”

The race will be open to children from around the city, as will the day itself.

Mr Brackett said: “This is a really great idea – everyone benefits from sport. And we would like to see a really successful event taking place in Blackbird Leys.”

It is hoped the event will help fill the void left by the Leys Fair, which was cancelled last year due to funding issues, after 12 years of attracting thousands of people.

Clubs also taking part include the Blackbird Leys Boxing Club, the Windrush Karate Club and the Falcon Rowing Club.

Plans for the day include archery, falconry, rugby, Gaelic football and tennis table exhibitions.

Local football teams will also be taking part in a six-a-side tournament.

Many of the events are being co-ordinated by the Independent Working Class Association Athletics Club.

Spokesman Stuart Craft said: “We are very proud to be working alongside staff and parents to organise the Pegasus Olympics.

“This is going to be a very professional affair. We want people to come to the estate and see the quality here. And it’s about giving children the opportunity to get involved with sports they might not previously have had access to.”

The Olympic torch is due to arrive in Oxford in Watlington Road on July 9 and then travel through Cuddesdon Way on to Blackbird Leys Road and Barns Road before going on to Between Towns Road.