On the 10th June, Panathlon visited Becontree Leisure Centre in Barking and Dagenham to deliver a Primary Panathlon Competition for 10 local schools. The 10 schools comprised both infants and juniors, many of whom had never previously taken part in any Panathlon activity. The 80 students in attendance were split in to 8 teams and then competed across the 8 Primary Panathlon activities, comprising Messi Football Skills, Table Cricket, Precision Beanbag, Parachute Popcorn, Boccia Blast, Volleybat, New Age Kurling and Flight Path.
At the half way stage, the blue team (made up of students from Thomas Arnold School and Northbury Primary) were in the lead with the green team (St Peters School) in a close second. These 2 teams continued their form and finished in the same places, but the real surprise was in bronze position, where the yellow team (students from St Margarets School and St Vincents School) came from last place at the half way mark to pinch third place!
“We have had a team here today who have gone to events in the past where some of their children couldn’t take part. I told them to attend the Primary Panathlon because all of the Panathlon activities are accessible and they have said how much all of their students have enjoyed the day” Yvonne O’Keefe, Teacher at All Saints School.
“Today has been brilliantly organised. All of our children were able to take part and compete for their team and the activities were extremely well thought out and prepared” Sonia Fernandez, Teacher at Northbury Primary School.
“A fabulous event. Very well organised and the leaders at each activity were superb, giving clear instructions and they all had a kind manner. All of the games were appropriate and there was just the right amount of time for each activity. The awards ceremony was great and our children and staff have thoroughly enjoyed the day- Thank you!” Marie Attew, Senco at St Peters Primary School
