White water themed education has proved a hit at the River Lee Country Park.
The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has been granted the prestigious Inspire mark by London 2012’s Inspire Programme for its education programmes.
Its White Water Investigation programme brings geography to life for local pupils using Lee Valley White Water Centre, host venue for the London 2012 Canoe Slalom events. Other programmes teach young people skills such as compass and map reading and about important bird life in the area.
Karen Wheeler, youth and schools manager at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, said: “It has been a long process obtaining the award, however I am really pleased we have been awarded the mark and would like to thank my team for persisting with the application process and for all their hard work on the white water programmes.
“The programmes help young people gain a broad understanding of the London 2012 Games. Originally, we aimed the Lee Valley Challenge at secondary and post 16 but it has proved so popular that we have now made it available to primary schools.”
Seb Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: “We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now.
“I congratulate the Youth and Schools Service at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority for securing the Inspire mark for the white water themed education programme, and wish them every success.”