Two cracking competitions in a week involving 116 competitors from 13 schools in Essex revealed this years qualifiers for the finals in June.
First off on Friday 21st April was the south semi final at a new venue for Panathlon, William Edwards school in Grays, where 51 competitors from 6 schools took part.
The defending champions and always strong contenders Thurrock, (pictured above left in red) made up of Beacon Hil, Treetops, Ockendon Academy & Chafford Hundred Academy, stormed to victory with an impressive 58 out of 60 maximum points. West Essex (Oakview School) came second and a new team, Lancaster from Southend came in 3rd. Fourth place was Glenwood School from Castle Point and Rochford. A full set of results if you click here.
The other memorable moment was our friend Brandon Morris (pictured right) who once again broke his shot putt record with an amazing throw of 16m 50cm. Brandon consistently tries to further his own javelin and shot putt records, and is used to breaking records as he did at the same stage of the competition last year.
The second semi final took place at Columbus College in Chelmsford on Friday 28th April and involved 75 children from 6 schools.
Freya Levy, our ambassador and GB wheelchair Basketball player was on hand to inspire the competitors and is also now our expert in running the new age kurling competition.
The competition was tight with Columbus in Chelmsford winning the Boccia and Colchester who won the Kurling competition. However Harlow Fields (pictured top in green) were consistently strong throughout and won table cricket and polybat and came second in Boccia and Kurling.
They followed this up with a second in field athletics and a win in athletics races. This saw them home with 54 points, well clear of Tendring (Shorefields School) in second place with 38 points. In third place was Chelmsford (Columbus) on 34 points, Colchester (Lexden Springs) came 4th and NW Essex (Southview and Doucecroft schoools) came 5th. Full results are here.
Charlotte Turner said, “the school is extremely proud of the achievements of our young people after participating in the Panathlon semi-final. For some students it was their first event and they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in competitive sporting activities. Amongst each team all students were encouraging and demonstrated good sportsmanship towards the other schools. We are delighted to reach the finals at the beginning of June and the students are really excited to have another amazing opportunity whatever the outcome. The students work exceptionally hard and demonstrate an excellent attitude within their physical development lessons.”
This results mean that both Harlow Fields and Tendring (Shorefields School) qualify for the final in June along with Thurrock and West Essex from the first semi-final.
A selection of photos are available if you click here.
The young leaders today were from Colchester High School and did a fantastic job. They were also supplemented by apprentices from Active Essex.
We must also thank our friends at Woodland Group who came and supported their local competition as their worldwide head office is also in Chelmsford.
John Stubbings, Group Director said, “It’s fantastic to see so many local children enjoying Panathlon and we are proud to have supported them for so many years and see the charity expand throughout Essex and way beyond during this time. Keep up the good work!”
John Stubbings from Woodland and Freya Levy pictured here with the NW Essex captains, from Southview and Doucecroft schools.
