AS the Olympics draws closer, Christchurch youngsters took to the water recently to show off their sporting prowess.

School students from The Grange, Twynham and Highcliffe were taking part in a course organised by Christchurch Sailing at the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre.

The course is part of the Christchurch Sailing scheme to encourage more people to participate in boating and for schools to promote water sports as part of their physical education activities.

They hope to build a legacy from the 2012 Olympics.

The teenagers were able to try their hand at sailing, canoeing, rowing and sculling in two sixhour hands-on sessions, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.

Mark Godfrey, managing director of the Harbour Hotels Collection, which includes the main sponsor of the scheme, the Christchurch Harbour Hotel, said: “It’s great to see so many youngsters having fun, trying their best to stay in their boats.

“Who knows, one of the children introduced to water sports this week could be an Olympian of the future. One of our main aims following this week is for them to join a club in the sport they enjoyed the most.

“Our ambassadors, who we’re supporting through their professional training to become instructors, are first-year sixthformers at the three schools taking part this week – Highcliffe, Twynham and The Grange – so will also be on hand for any questions the children have.”