Sixty-three children competed on Wednesday (19th March) in the South London Xtend competition at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
Cleeve Park School from Sidcup took home the honours (pictured above) after a competitive day’s action, pipping the runners-up Bensham Manor School from Croydon.
Nicola Beaven from Cleeve Park said, “We have been coming to Panathlon for at least ten years with many students from our school benefiting over that time. Generations have enjoyed the various sporting competitions and received huge benefits from competing against different schools and different London boroughs.
“It is excellent that SEN students are given these opportunities to compete in all the various Panathlon activities. To win today overall is an amazing buzz for our school.”
Kim Bushnell, the school games organiser from Bromley, said, “Panathlon came in to our working lives several years ago and have made such a difference, which is confirmed by the growth in the number of schools and students taking part and they have always commented on their huge enjoyment participating! Panathlon are very supportive of our schools, which we really appreciated.”
The young leaders today were from The Ravensbourne School in Bromley and were excellent throughout.
Natalie Hughes from their PE dept said, “Panathlon have allowed the sports leaders from The Ravensbourne School a unique experience which they will embrace and always remember. This will help with their growth and development and gain life long skills and to be able to adapt and work in different situations – as well as having lots of fun and making new friends.
“Panathlon provide a wonderfully safe and nurturing environment for all to feel a sense of achievement and pride in an organised and inclusive environment for all.”
One of their young leaders, Abagail, said, “I think it is wonderful that so many children get these opportunities to compete and feel more included in the wider sporting community. My brother has been competing in the Panathlon Challenge for four years and he can’t wait to get home and show off his medals he wins and tell us all about his day!”
Also competing today was Highshore School from Southwark, Brent Knoll from Lewisham and Marjorie McClure school from Bromley.
There is a full gallery of photos from the day here.
Many thanks to Gemma Juma and Nic Bruce from the Jack Petchey Foundation who attended and were on hand to award medals to all and the overall trophy to Cleeve Park School.
Nic said, “It was such a fantastic event—seeing the kids so engaged and full of joy was truly special. Their smiles and enthusiasm showed just how much this day meant to them, and I have no doubt they’ll remember it for a long time.”
