OLYMPIC fever is already running high for one Dorset charity.

Daily-Echo-backed Diverse Abilities Plus launched its involvement in the Gold Challenge, a scheme to encourage people to try their hand at a variety of Olympic-style events including weight-lifting, fencing or boxing.

The independent charity, which provides support and education for children and adults with physical and learning disabilities, is the only organisation in the county taking part in the national challenge.

Participants can take part in five to 30 Olympic or Paralympic sports, either as an individual or a team, in a bid to raise more than £100,000 for the local charity.

Representatives from businesses across Dorset met at the launch at AFC Bournemouth this week to hear more about how they could play a part.

Mark Powell, chief executive officer at Diverse Abilities Plus, said: “We have 100 adult team spaces available and in May 2011 a further 100 places for young people aged under 16 will be on offer.

He added: “We need to increase the charity’s fundraising income significantly and we hope that this exciting event will galvanise the local community to support it – after all, we are a Dorset charity and Dorset is hosting the sailing events of the 2012 Olympics.”

A number of fencing and taekwondo demonstrations as well as some football skills courtesy of AFC Bournemouth player Steve Lovell were on show at the launch.

Diverse Abilities Plus services for children and young people include Langside School, a domiciliary care at home project, an overnight and short-stay residential home and holiday activities.

The charity also supports adults through its Barnabas day opportunities centre and with its supported living service.

Money raised through the Gold Challenge will go towards projects including refurbishing the sensory garden at Langside School and buying a new minibus.