It was another splashingly good day as 48 children with additional needs took part in the Panathlon National Swimming Final at the London Aquatics Centre.
Hempsted School claimed the win, with 55 points, just ahead of Coldfall on 53, and St Helen’s on 46.
“We started taking part in Panathlon because when I was looking at the children at school and out of school there were children who were struggling taking part in sport and the ones who just needed the extra bit of support and help,” said Julie Bassett, teacher at Hempsted.
“This was absolutely ideal for them because their confidence grows; they’re competing with other children at the same level and their confidence is growing in sport, but it’s also bringing it back into the classroom and to me that’s really important.”
Siobhan, one of the Hempsted team, said: “Today was awesome, because we came first and everyone tried their very best.”
“This is our fourth event with Panathlon Challenge and the kids just absolutely love it,” said Mitchell Browning, teacher at Coldfall. “It’s a great opportunity for them, they get to excel, they get to push themselves and rave about it when we get back to school.”
Else, a Coldfall pupil, added: “It was really fun today because we just got to do loads of games and events!
“I did my best, and I tried my hardest, and we came second!”
Liz Bundy, head of school at Shenfield St Mary’s, added: “Panathlon is just the most wonderful inclusive experience for all children, no matter who they are where they come from they just thrive in such an inclusive environment. Look at the smiles on their faces. They are just in awe of everything and everybody around them. It’s the best thing ever, we love it.
“Here they just thrive because they know they can achieve by swimming 10 metres, 25 metres, cheering on their mates and it just gives them a sense of worth within the school when they’re here and then taking it back all exciting and celebrating.”
The event also benefited from leaders from Barking Abbey High School who helped in the pool, plus volunteers from our supporters Pentland Brands and Speedo – including Georgia Davies, the British swimmer, who has competed at the Olympics, World and European Championships, and Commonwealth Games.
Additional reporting and images: Cat Goryn
Many thanks to Speedo for making our swimming events possible.
