The Panathlon Challenge is a national charity which provides sporting opportunities for over 20,000 young people with disabilities and special educational needs (2018/19) and 15,000 (19/20 before Corona virus meant a shortening of the school year).

1,335 schools took part in our 460 competitions, training courses and coaching days in 2018/19 and we were on track to increase these numbers in 19/20 before covid-19. Without Panathlon, many of our competitors would not otherwise have an opportunity to take part in competitive sport.

Panathlon has been benefiting young disadvantaged people since 1995 – with a focus on disabled young people since 1999 – and has invested over £9 million in opportunities for young people to compete in sport during this time.

Our sporting programmes – which include primary, secondary and 16+ multi-sport events, swimming, football and boccia – currently reach all 32 London boroughs and 43 counties across England and we continue to grow, with plans to be nationwide by 2021.

Panathlon also delivers training courses to 14- to 19-year-olds and has qualified thousands of young leaders over recent years.  4,611 young leaders were trained and given practical hands on experience last year 18/19 and 3,500 in 19/20 pre Covid-19. We are developing some of our competitor schools, to also have a leadership role for their students too.

Much independent research has proven the massive impact that Panathlon has on young people’s lives.

• 81% of schools said Panathlon had enabled children’s first ever experience of competitive sport
• 92% of schools said they have increased sports provision as a result of participating
• 88% said Panathlon provides an appropriate structure and event pathway
• 100% reported increased self-esteem in competitors

Some of the most inspirational stories from the young people to have benefited from Panathlon can be found in our case studies section.

Panathlon’s work has been featured in the national media, including Sky Sports, the BBC, the Daily Telegraph and the Independent – along with extensive coverage in local and regional press. To see some of that coverage, please visit our YouTube channel or Pinterest page.

Panathlon relies on funding from a combination of commercial sponsors, government and charitable trusts. We are grateful for the support of all our sponsors, including our long standing supporters; St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, the Jack Petchey Foundation and the Woodland Group. We are also proud to have a number of sporting patrons and a Panathlon ambassador – all with Paralympic pedigree.

With an ever-increasing demand for our work, we are always searching for more support and funding, so that we can continue to make a difference to the lives of thousands of disabled young people across the country.

If you would like to support Panathlon in 2021 and beyond, or you would like to find out more about our work , please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Panathlon are members of Activity Alliance & Sport and Recreation Alliance