102 young disabled people from 14 East London Schools in Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Hackney took part in the 3rd East London Panathlon 1st round competition at Robert Clack School today.

Barking & Dagenham, previous London Winners won through to the East London Final on March 26th after winning Boccia, Kurling, Polybat and Athletics with a total of 62 points. Havering came 2nd after winning football and Kurling with 54 points. In 3rd place was Hackney with 52 points.

Yvonne O’Keefe who is the Barking and Dagenham team co-ordinator said, ” Panathlon has given so many of our students their first chance to win in a sporting event. it gives them inspiration and drive to want more success in a competition which is incredibly fair as it is structured to be on a level playing field regardless of your ability. it also is incredibly important to our young leaders as it gives them a fantastic opportunity to work with children with special needs, which they wouldn’t usually come in to contact with.”

  • Barking & Dagenham represented by Trinity, Eastbrook Jo Richardson, Barking Abbey, All Saints and Robert Clack Schools
  • Havering represented by Hall Mead, Dycourts, Chafford, Ravensbourne and Sandra Draper schools
  • Hackney represented by Hackney Community College, Stormont House & Horizon Schools