Dozens of local women have been involved in a global push to increase female participation in ice hockey.

Dunedin was the first of 28 cities worldwide hosting all-female ice hockey games at the weekend.

And players were thrilled to lead the way, in several respects.

The country's best cricketers are calling for more young locals to try their hand at the sport.

Kids from around the city have been giving cricket a go with some help from both Black Caps and White Ferns.

The showcase event was timed so participants stick with the sport this summer.

Young mountain bikers have been gearing up for a major local contest.

More than 150 were in town for the South Island Secondary School Mountain Biking Championships at the weekend.

And there's now a push for more teenagers to get involved.

Several young athletes from Otago are setting their sights on gold.

They're hard at work preparing for a world championship in just a few weeks.

And their training regimen is seeing them take some heat.

Several of the region's top athletes are preparing for one of the biggest events in their sporting calendar.

Locals have been competing in the Otago Duathlon Championship over the weekend.

And for many, it was their last practice run before a major international contest.

An unlikely sport is gaining traction among the city's youth.

More than 50 year seven and eight pupils are taking part in an annual table tennis competition over several weeks.

And organisers hope it'll boost participation in all levels of the game.