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Panathlon celebrated another landmark moment on Wednesday as we staged our pilot programme competition for Key Stage 3 children, called Panathlon Xtend at the Costello Stadium in Hull.

Eight teams from six different schools from across East Riding West and Bridlington School Partnerships took part, competing in eight sporting activities, with Market Weighton’s Kiwi team taking the honour of becoming our first ever Xtend Panathlon gold medallists.

The programme has been set-up to capitalise on the success of the Primary Panathlon, enabling children who move into Key Stage 3 the opportunity to again participate in Panathlon and provide secondary schools not involved in Panathlon with disabled young people, the opportunity to participate and gain an understanding of the sports involved in the Panathlon programmes.

The programme is hoped also to provide a bridge to building further participants in the existing multi-sport Panathlon Challenge.

Tony Waymouth, Panathlon’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We have identified that Key Stage 3 is an important time for young disabled children in sport. Research has shown that schools and children’s participation in sport, drops off at this age. With so many children involved with us in the Primary Panathlon programme, we feel it is important to keep continuity and the pathway open and create a structure in Key Stage 3 to further open opportunities up.“

“It is great to have been provided with the opportunity to start this here in East Riding with the support of Rebecca D’Arcy and reaction from those participating today has certainly re-in forced this thought process.“

Kalina Townsend, Head of PE at Market Weighton School said “This is the first ever trophy we are taking back to school, the event has engaged my children and provided an opportunity to represent the school and try so many new activities which fostered a real team environment.“

Second placed Wolfreton School from Willerby said,“It was an amazing event – our students were delighted to be runners-up in this Panathlon Xtend event, which was our first introduction to Panathlon, but it won’t be our last that’s for sure.“

Mr Thornham said,“Our students were brilliant, it’s great to see this sporting opportunity being made available to all and their delight in their success was fantastic to see.“

Jayne Dowse, a parent from Riverside, who saw her son compete for third placed Riverside said:“What a great event, my son couldn’t wait to represent his school today, he normally just plays football, but to be engaged with so many new sports and feeling the great atmosphere within the hall this event generated has truly been great as a parent to experience. To finish third, get bronze and a trophy has been icing on the cake!“

Cottingham High School provided the Young Leaders for the day (pictured left) They reported- “What a fantastic day of sports leadership with Panathlon. All those involved did themselves and Cottingham High School proud. Excellent feedback from the all the schools involved about each and every one of twelve leaders involved.“

Rachel who was working on the Field Athletics said, “I couldn’t believe how competitive the children were, the support by each team members for others was awesome.“

Andy Watts, Sports Co-ordinator at Kingsmill School and a Youth Sport Trust Inclusion lead said, “Brilliant Day (again!) My advice to others is you haven’t been involved with Panathlon – JUST DO IT! “

Panathlon would like to thank East Riding SSP West’s Rebecca D’Arcy who helped put this event on and Angel Rhodes from the Bridlington SSP.