STUDENTS took the plunge and joined hundreds of others from across the country to enjoy rafting and canoeing.
Teenagers from Colne Community School, in Wivenhoe, put on helmets and tried out the 300 metre-long Olympic course at Lee Valley White Water Centre, where Team GB won gold and silver at London 2012.
The youngsters were able to follow in the athletes' footsteps in the run up to Rio 2016 by taking part in the sixth annual Schools Festival.
Shaun Dawson, chief executive at the park, said: “This year will see GB athletes battle to retain their medals at Rio and the Schools Festival is a great opportunity for students to appreciate the challenges of fast-moving waters that are faced by the canoe slalom athletes."
As well as rafting and canoeing the students also tried out kayaking, tennis and football thanks to the Lawn Tennis Association and the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.
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