FROM paddleboarding to swimming it is the annual event that encourages Hampshire residents to get active on the water.

Inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games the 2014 River Hamble Games will see residents competing against each other for glory.

The charity fundraiser on July 12 will bring a number of different sports to the river and shoreline and is designed to involve the whole community.

There will be sailing, rowing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming on the water and 5km or 10km runs along the river bank and through Netley Country Park.

There will also be family activities, including music, games, crab catching, martial arts and a teddy bear’s picnic.

A spectacular closing ceremony will follow in the afternoon with an After Games Party at the Royal Southern Yacht Club.

Since first being held in 2012, following on from the success of the Olympic Games, it has raised money for charities like the John Merricks Sailing Trust and the Hamble Lifeboat.

The games are run by a committee of volunteers and are supported by the River Hamble Harbour Authority, Eastleigh Borough Council and Fareham Borough Council along with local business sponsorship.

Susie Tomson, chair of the River Hamble Games, said: “The River Hamble runs through the very heart of our community and the River Hamble Games present a fantastic opportunity for us all to get together to enjoy the unique sporting and leisure opportunities that the river offers.

Everyone is invited to enter the games and get involved irrespective of where they live or the level at which they compete.”

• Sign up at riverhamblegames.com. People can compete as a team or as individuals