Fifty-two deaf and hearing impaired young people from across the East England came together at Great Baddow High School today, for the third edition of the Deaf Panathlon Multisport Challenge.
The students from 4 Essex schools and 1 Suffolk school, competed in a closely fought event – as part of the charity’s expanding deaf programme.
The students were provided not only with the opportunity to compete against other deaf and hearing-impaired children in a multi-sport contest, but also to build teamwork, communication and leadership skills and to meet new people and make new friends.
Competition was fierce with the host Great Baddow High securing their third Panathlon title of the year with a close victory. Their 48 points haul saw a 4 point victory over St Clere’s, who in turn finished 4 points ahead of 3rd placed Priory/Philip Morant team. Another 4 points back was 4th placed team Sweyne Park on 36 points.
Sophie Paul, aged 15 of Great Baddow School said, “today was great, so many different activities. I found it fun to meet so many different lots of my peers from so many schools, play against them and to catch up socially with them. Thanks for an amazing day.“
Fellow team member Zak Norfolk said, “I really enjoyed today, it was really good to be involved in competition and I did my part by winning my events.”
Alicia Sudnik said, “thanks Panathlon for making Deaf sport happen, it is so nice to see these children come out of their shells on these Panathlon days. The ability to feel included, to feel they can express themselves, to communicate at a level which enables them to have confidence to try and perform is beyond appreciation. The confidence they have on days like today is beyond words.”
Thank you to the funders of this work including the Woodland Group, Active Essex and Ovingdean Hall Foundation.
