Panathlon is a national charity which gives thousands of young people with disabilities and special educational needs every year the opportunity to take part in competitive sport. Due to Covid-19, all our activity is currently taking place within schools through our virtual programme, but we dearly hope to re-start external events in 2021.
OUR PROGRAMMES
We have over 20 years’ experience providing sporting competitions for a range of age groups including primary, Key Stage 3, secondary and 16+ in multi-sport events. Additionally, we provide swimming, boccia, football, ten-pin bowling and a range of impairment-specific programmes which take place across 43 English counties and in Wales.
Our competitive pathway begins with local events, leading to county, regional, divisional and finally national finals at prestigious Olympic and Paralympic venues.
Over 1,100 schools took part in 300+ competitions and coaching days in 2019/20 despite the school year being shortened due to Covid-19.
VIRTUAL IN-SCHOOL PANATHLON
Our virtual programme empowers schools to run their own Panathlon competitions safely on-site whilst our external competitions are curtailed by Covid-19. It has been widely embraced by schools.
All the activities are skill-based and feature simplified and varied competitions which will develop confidence and self-belief in every individual. Watch demo videos and download activity packs for primary, secondary and special schools here.
To join our Panathlon virtual programme, contact your local School Games Organiser or email us using the red buttons below.
IN THE MEDIA
Panathlon’s work has been featured in the national media, including Sky Sports, the BBC and national newspapers – along with extensive coverage in local and regional press. To see some of that coverage, visit our YouTube channel or Pinterest page.
25 Years
In the making
1996-2021
Panathlon has been benefiting young disadvantaged people since 1996 – with a focus on disabled young people since 1999 – and has invested over £9million in opportunities for young people to compete in sport during this time.

SPONSORS
Panathlon relies on funding from commercial sponsors 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, who have all been supporting us for over 10 years.
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, or would like to find out more about our work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.