Eleven more schools competed at Shenfield High School on April 29th, trying to qualify for the Essex Countywide Final in July.
Sixty-nine competitors took part in a double header competition, officiated and marshalled excellently by New City College in Havering, whose students (pictured below) performed their ‘Young Leader’ roles in a caring and highly professsional manner.
Damien Plummer from New City College said, “The partnership between Panathlon and the Jack Petchey Foundation has created amazing opportunities for our Coaching Academy students to experience both meaningful work ‘experience’ days and the responsibility of supporting other children with addiitional needs. This is great for their leadership, coaching and empathy skills.”
The morning’s competition was between schools from Grays, South Ockendon, Chelmsford, Harlow, South Woodham Ferrers, Witham and Leigh on Sea, all competing for a place in the Essex Final in July.
One of the teaching staff from William De Ferrers school commented, “All of our students engage in PE, but it is only Panathlon that gives them the opportunity to represent their school and that’s what really gives them a great boost to their self confidence.”
After a very tight competition, the team from St Mark’s School in Harlow were triumphant and can be seen here with their trophy, awarded by Ron Mills, a trustee of the Jack Petchey Foundation, who spent the morning meeting teachers, young leaders and competitors, before awarding trophies and certificates.
The afternoon competition was as equally tight with schools from Brentwood, Southend, Clacton and the host school Shenfield.
Fiona Arnold, School Games Organiser for the SHS Partnership, said, “We are involved in a number of Panathlon events over the year and this includes Primary, Secondary, Ten-Pin Bowlng and excitingly we have qualified for the Essex swimming final at the London Aquatic Centre tomorrow (30 April).
“Panathlon days are always inclusive, well organised and for many, the only competitive events they will participate in.”
The competition was indeed strong again with the team from St. Martins edging out Shenfield by just the one point to take the win and qualify for the Essex Final in July.
Well done to all those that competed so well and a big thank you to Gill Newlyn, the Essex Inclusion Lead, for helping to co-ordinate the day.
