Friday 28th February saw the latest in a series of multi-sports events for secondary-aged SEND students in Essex, with 67 more competing at St. John Payne Catholic School in Chelmsford.
The school have provided their venue for several Panathlon competitions this year – welcoming 16 other schools through their gates in the last month alone and additionally will be hosting another competition next month for the sports of boccia and kurling.
This has provided many opportunities for the school to provide Young Leaders – with 76 of them benefiting from increased confidence and leadership skills so far.
Abi Watson, Head of PE at St John Payne, said, “To support the nature of our faith school, we strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of movement in a positive and inclusive environment.
“Leadership provides the foundation for the developing the whole child, fostering growth in character, confidence and capability. Panathlon has enabled many of our children to enjoy these leadership roles. Today we had another 26 Young Leaders given the opportunity to develop their own personal skills.
“As well as internally within school, we also had the fantastic opportunity to visit the London Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park recently and provide Young Leaders the opportunity to support an inspiring Panathlon swimming gala.”
“45 of our own SEND students took part in a Panathlon coaching day here at school too.”
Roisin, one of today’s Young Leaders, said, ”It’s a really fun environment and it’s great to see other children enjoying trying new sports and activities.”
The schools competing today were from Brentwood, Basildon, Colchester, Harlow, Thundersley and Chelmsford.
After a tight day’s competition the top 3 were –
1st Ceder Hall (Thundersley), 2nd Doucecroft (Colchester) and 3rd Grove House (Brentwood)
Paul Martin from the triumphant Cedar Hall School said,” It’s been a fantastic event and all the students have had a fabulous time enjoying the different sporting activities and to win is just the cherry on the top!”
Other competitive opportunities have also been provided so far this year across Essex in boccia, ten-pin bowling, swimming and football. More competitions will take place in the coming months – watch this space!
