A perfect performance saw Herne Bay book their place in the Kent final of the 2012 Panathlon Challenge.

Twenty Kent special schools and over 250 children are involved in this year’s Challenge, with the final on June 13 being held in conjunction with Kent County Council’s wider School Games initiative.

Herne Bay, represented by St Aslems and The Archbishop’s Schools, scored an amazing 60 points out of 60 at today’s east Kent competition at Ursuline College in Thanet.

Tied in second place were Dover, represented by pupils from Aspen School, and Thanet (Forelands and St Anthony’s Schools) with 40 points. Shepway (Highview and Foxwood Schools) were fourth with 28.

Herne Bay join Dartford in the Kent final on June 13 in Sevenoaks, with the remaining places in the final depending on the outcome of tomorrow’s central Kent competition.

James Tinney, Panathlon event manager, said: “Herne Bay gave a mightly impressive performance in qualifying for the Kent final, and are installed as clear favourites! All the schools did very well and should be commended on their enthusiastic performances.”

The Panathlon Challenge incorporates the sports of boccia, polybat, table cricket, new-age kurling and athletics.

Ursuline College proved to be the ideal hosts as they provided Panathlon with 24 Young Leaders who ran each sport for the disabled competitors.

Ends

101 Competitors from 7 schools competed across 6 sports, with Dover and Thanet tied for 2nd with 40 points and Shepway in 4th with 28