Hull Active Schools presented their annual awards recently – with achievement from Panathlon competitors recognised across primary and secondary categories.
This is the third year in which Panathlon excellence has been rewarded at the ceremony as the programme of events continues to expand across the area, giving pupils with additional needs the chance to shine in sport.
The winners were:
Secondary Panathlon Sportsperson of the Year: Niall Dervey
Niall Dervey, from St Mary’s College, has made a tremendous impression through the Hull Active Schools Panathlon programme.
Since joining the school in September, sport has helped him build friendships, overcome anxiety and grow in confidence. He has taken part in boccia, new age kurling and cricket, always approaching each event with enthusiasm and care for others.
He researches strategies before competing, supports his teammates and has shown maturity beyond his years. He was part of the team that finished second in the Humber Panathlon New Age Kurling Finals and helped the Parallel Cricket Team win the Hull Active Schools tournament.
He also completed the Youth Sport Trust Sport Leadership course and supported the delivery of a primary schools FA Disability Festival.
Secondary Panathlon Team of the Year: Liberty Academy
Liberty Academy have attended a range of events, including indoor and outdoor softball cricket, Parallel QuadKids athletics, new age kurling, boccia and ten pin bowling. Their greatest success came in the Panathlon Xtend Multi-Sport competition, where
students completed a carousel of skill-based sporting challenges. They worked together brilliantly, communicated well and finished first to take the Hull Active Schools title.
They then represented the city at the Humberside Schools Final, finishing in second place across the whole county area.
Primary Panathlon Team of the Year: Thanet Primary School
Thanet Primary School have shown courage, resilience and togetherness throughout this year’s Panathlon pathway.
After winning their local qualifying event in Hull, the team progressed to the regional finals, where they represented the city with great pride and went on to become Humber county champions.
What makes this achievement even more meaningful is the personal journey of the pupils involved. Each has faced their own challenges, but throughout the competition they supported one another, communicated brilliantly and kept encouraging each other, even when things did not go their way. Their positivity and unity were clear from start to finish.
This award is a fitting recognition for a fantastic group of young people who have shown exactly what school sport should be about.
Primary Panathlon Sportswoman of the Year: Evie May
Evie, of Bricknell Primary School, has embraced every chance to represent her school with pride and enthusiasm.
A standout moment came in the ten-pin bowling event, where she achieved a score of over 100 points – a fantastic accomplishment that showed skill, focus and calmness under pressure.
Just as important has been the growth in her confidence through Panathlon. She approaches challenges with a positive attitude, gives her best and encourages others around her. Her resilience, enjoyment and pride in representing her school make her a wonderful role model.
Primary Panathlon Sportsman of the Year: Owen Morton
Owen, of Longhill Primary School, has represented his school with distinction across a wide range of Panathlon events, including multi-sports, boccia, swimming, kurling and ten-pin bowling.
His commitment and sportsmanship have been clear at every competition. He enjoyed particular success in boccia and ten-pin bowling, qualifying for the county finals, while also representing his school in cross country, indoor athletics and the QuadKids team.
What has been especially pleasing is the growth in his confidence over the past year. Through PE and school sport, he has developed self-belief, taken on new challenges and become a fantastic ambassador for his school.
