SWEEPING rapids and crashing surf – not a normal day in the life of a Newport Free Grammar School sports prefect.

But that is what the head boy and girl, 10 prefects and three staff members got to tackle when they converged on the London 2012 Olympic White Water centre at Lee Valley as it opened its doors for a six-day school festival to give young people in the region an experience of the facilities.

Newport’s team tried out the canoe slalom before the Olympians take to the course next year. The day consisted of white water rafting, a nine-person rafting activity and three runs down the Olympic course.

Following that, the students chose from a variety of activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, orienteering and various cycling, canoeing and football challenges.

They also got the chance to speak with the Olympics Legacy Minister Bob Neill.

A spokesman for the school said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for students and teachers alike who are grateful for the experience, and would highly recommend the day to anybody who was thinking of going.”