Youngsters from St Albans were among 80 people to benefit from a disability day at Lee Valley White Water Centre.

They took part in a number of sports at the London 2012 Olympic venue as part of the Passport to Leisure programme, which helps people with learning disabilities get involved in sports.

Group leisure officer Salpi Gulbekian felt the day was a resounding success.

She said: “Everyone had a fantastic time trying out something they had not done before. It was a great day.”

The Waltham Cross venue played host to some of the more memorable moments of the London games including Team GB’s gold and silver medal successes in the canoe slalom.

Participants at the event took part in a range of different sports, including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, with some even taking on the 300m Olympic course.

Lee Valley White Water Centre’s general manager, Pasckell Backwell, was delighted with how the day went and believes such schemes have a lasting impact on those involved.

He said: “This day has been a terrific success, with many of those taking part trying out things that they have never done before.

“We believe that everyone should be able to access all our activities and services.

“This special day showed how challenges like this can benefit a variety of different groups, promoting health and fitness and boosting confidence.”

Far from being a one off day, Passport to Leisure hopes to encourage its members to continue to participate in sports for the foreseeable future.

Those who took part in the session can progress further by taking part in a number of extensive courses aimed at all abilities at the venue.

The new paddle ability kayak sessions will help both experienced and novice participants come to grips with the challenging sport.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has invested £113,000 into the Community Access Fund (CAF) and the sessions are partly supported by this money.

The sessions are set to run from 6pm to 7pm and will take place for six weeks, starting on Thursday.

Backing from CAF means the full six-week course, which will be taught on the Lee Valley lake, has been reduced from £90 to £30.

For more information visit www.gowhitewater.co.uk or to book contact Harriet Whitehead on hwhitehead@vibrantpartnerships.co.uk or 03000 030 616.

The Lee Valley White Water Centre will also be open throughout the summer as it plays host to various different sports.

Visitors will be able to take part in a range of activities, including white water rafting, canoeing and hydrospeeding, which is similar to body boarding.

Additional information on all the activities can be found by visiting the centre in Waltham Cross or by calling 03000 030 610.