NOT everyone can afford the cost of a flight to Rio to watch the men and women of Team GB battling it out for medals of gold, silver and bronze.

But equally, not everyone has the excitement of an event featuring bog snorkelling, wife carrying and toe jousting just a short drive away.

Brazil it may not be - but the biennial World Alternative Games is again taking place in its spiritual home of Powys’ Llanwrtyd Wells.

This is the anti-Olympics – Welsh style - a wacky and wonderful sporting world of a different kind, set up in the light of the lack of Olympic events taking place in Wales during London 2012.

Best of all - you can take part.

Peter Brown, chair of the World Alternative Games organising committee said of the event, which started yesterday: “It’s all about having fun. Everyone gets a medal for taking part, but whether you come first, second or last, no one worries about it.

"It’s all about being a part of it, and we make sure there are always events that everyone can take part in, be you young or old, able bodied or otherwise.

"As a town already renowned for the bog snorkelling, man-versus-horse, and many even more quirky events during the course of each year, it seemed only right that we did something a bit different in 2012, and it was an amazing success.

“We were delighted to feature in shortlists for local and national awards, and it was fantastic that we made such an impact.

“Therefore we decided to host it every other year, and in 2014 we got bigger and better, and I can proudly say that again for this year’s event."

The Welsh Government has given the World Alternative Games its blessing, commending it for establishing itself as a popular tourist attraction, and playing its part in promoting Wales worldwide.

Llanwrtyd Wells is the UK’s smallest town, situated between Builth Wells and Llandovery.

For more information, or to take part, visit worldalternativegames.co.uk/home/

The World Alternative Games cover 17 days, running until Bank Holiday Monday on August 29 - culminating in the event at the world famous Waen Rhydd Bog.