LONDON 2012 gold medal-winning canoeist Etienne Stott is coming to the Cotswolds.

Stott will officially open the Gloucestershire Watersports Festival at South Cerney Outdoor Centre on Wednesday, June 11 as well as giving an inspirational talk about his Olympic success.

Etienne will also be presenting medals to the winning athletes and teams throughout the day at an event which is part of the Sainsbury's School Games and hosted by Active Gloucestershire.

As well as helping to inspire and motivate the young athletes, he will also be challenging them to a canoe time trial and demonstrating his talents.

Born in Manchester, Etienne has been competing in canoeing since 1992.

He won an Olympic gold at the London 2012 Games in the canoe slalom event alongside team-mate Tim Baillie.

Etienne said: “I really can’t wait to watch some great competitions at the Gloucestershire School Games Watersports Festival.

"Hard work and dedication in my sport of canoeing allowed me to make it all the way to represent Team GB and win gold in London 2012.

"I will be carefully looking out for the potential stars of the future from this strong sporting region. But I am most looking forward to seeing young athletes from across Gloucestershire coming together to try their hardest, make new friends and have lots of fun.”

It is expected that up to 200 young athletes from across Gloucestershire will be competing in six different sporting competitions for the annual Watersports Festival at South Cerney.

Competitors will take to the stage in sailing (team, individual and inclusive events), kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing.

For more information on the Sainsbury’s School Games in Gloucestershire visit www.activegloucestershire.org/schoolgames.asp or contact Kirsty Dunleavy on 01242 246136.