Those rafting on the Olympic Standard Competition Course tackled the rapids as Lee Valley provides an early legacy for next year's Games.

The youngsters, from the Olympic Host Boroughs, rafted the same course which will be tackled by Olympians during next year's Games when Lee Valley hosts the canoe slalom.

Youth panel member Arfah Farooq was thrilled to be a part of this unique experience.

"It was great fun and really exciting that we went on the Olympic course," she said.

"I would recommend the Centre to everyone; this is definitely something I will bring my friends and family back to experience!"

The Legacy Youth Panel is the group established by the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) to contribute to the long-term planning for the Olympic Park.


Lee Valley White Water Centre Manager, Simon Ricketts, said: "The Centre's success has been phenomenal and we are keen to show panel members how we've maintained interest and learned the lessons which will make this a blueprint for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority's three other London 2012 venues."

Sebastian Coe, the Chair of London 2012, has called the Lee Valley Centre "a fantastic success story".

"The public are using it and the teams are training on it," he said.

"It's an elite level venue and also inspiring for youngsters to become the next generation of canoeists."

Emma Frost, Head of Communities and Business at the OPLC, added: "The young people who make up the panel are absolutely fantastic.

"They give their time and energy willingly to help form the post-Games Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

"We are thrilled that they have got the chance to experience a London 2012 venue in action, a year before the Games have even started."

The Lee Valley White Water Centre won the right to host the 2015 World Canoe Slalom Championships earlier this year, and has a legacy loop in addition to the Olympic course for the public to use from just £5.

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