Stepney Green college students experience Olympic rapids

Students from the college joined more than 450 secondary school students from London, Hertfordshire and Essex to ride down the white waters of the Olympic run at Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross, at the centre’s seventh annual Schools Festival today.

Following in the trail of top athletes who have trained and competed at the iconic venue, they experienced rafting down the centre’s thrilling 300m long Olympic Standard Competition Course, the same course where Team GB won gold and silver in the Canoe Slalom Events at London 2012.

Since the festival began in 2011, more than 3,500 young people have experienced rafting during the Lee Valley White Water Centre Schools Festival, which is funded by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, in partnership with Vibrant Partnerships, as part of their commitment to deliver a sustainable legacy from London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Paul Osborn, Chairman of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “Today’s Schools Festival gives children the chance to try white water rafting for free at this truly inspirational venue where Olympic history was made.

“We have funded Schools Festivals every year since 2011 as part of our Olympic legacy work - and we know that they provide the first experience of this adrenalin sport for most of the pupils who come from every corner of London, Essex and Hertfordshire.”

During the day, pupils also had an opportunity to try a variety of other activities.

They tackled sports such as beach tennis, volleyball and beach soccer, on a brand new beach that recently hosted an England v Germany International match, which was on offer from the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, plus canoeing and cycling.

Young people also tested some of the new inflatable attractions coming soon to the venue, in advance of the opening of a new Beach and Play Park on July, 22, which will include a new paid for area with giant inflatable attractions for families to enjoy.