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1,000 pupils from schools across Essex enjoyed a spectacular display at the Hadleigh Mountain Bike Venue this week.

 A select group of elite riders were invited to ride the course as part of an educational day at the Olympic Mountain Bike venue, where schools participated in a number of sports and cultural activities at Hadleigh Farm and the Country Park. During the day, the students gathered at the best vantage points to see how the Mountain Bike professionals from Japan, France, Canada and Great Britain tackled the 5km looped course and its tough climbs and rocky descents.

The council’s ‘Essex Carrying the Flame’ educational team organised the day to involve as many children and young people as possible in the excitement of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The 2012 Games inspired activities included an outdoor theatre show, willow weaving, Geocaching and Go Ride cycling skills, as well as a Schools Mountain Bike competition held in Hadleigh Country Park.

Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games said: “Part of hosting an Olympic event in Essex is about maximising the opportunity the London 2012 Games will bring to inspire the next generation.

By bringing the classroom outdoors to such a unique venue and organising a day of activities; the Carrying the Flame education team is using the inspiration of the London 2012 Games to enhance young people’s learning right across the curriculum”.

Some participating schools from the Castle Point area and others from wider Essex were part of the London 2012 Get Set Programme.

Visit the Schools pages to find out more about London 2012 inspired opportunities for schools in Essex