The Panathlon Challenge has been providing sporting activities for disabled children since 1999 and the new grant of £80,676 from the Jack Petchey Foundation will guarantee the participation of over 1,500 disabled young people from over 100 schools across London and Essex during 2013.
Three-time Paralympic medallist Liz Johnson is and ambassador for the Panathlon charity and says: “ Panathlon is a fantastic opportunity for young disabled people to take part in sporting competition and I thank the Jack Petchey Foundation for investing consistently in the expansion of the Panathlon Challenge in recent years. Without their consistent support, Panathlon would not be able to grow each year.”
This recent grant sees the Jack Petchey Foundation total investment since 2004 reaching £337,921. Set up in 1999 by businessman Jack Petchey, the Foundation has donated in excess of £80million towards projects which give opportunities to young people between 11 and 25 in London and Essex.|
Jack Petchey CBE says: “Panathlon is evidence that all young people can participate and achieve through sport regardless of their disability. These youngsters demonstrate that if you think you can, you really can! We look forward to seeing even more disabled young people taking part in the future.“
The new investment will enable Panathlon to deliver 25 sports competitions and provide Leadership Courses, develop its coaching awards, and deliver new pilot projects for a range of impairment specific groups.
Panathlon will also continue to develop the Jack Petchey Foundation Outstanding Achievement Award to recognise exceptional contributions from disabled young people.
Lord Seb Coe, Chairman of the British Olympic Association says: “I am proud that partners such as Panathlon are delivering on our vision of the Olympic and Paralympic Games boosting sports participation.”
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NOTES TO EDITORS
- Panathlon Challenge has been delivering competitive opportunities for young disabled Londoners since 1999. It incorporates the sports of Boccia, Polybat, table cricket, new-age kurling, football and athletics, and involves disabled children aged between five and 19.
- During 2013 it will invest £250,000 in sports equipment and coaching funds in 32 London boroughs and 10 areas in Essex. Multi-sport competitions take place between November 2012 and June 2013. Panathlon will also be working in Kent, Wiltshire, Merseyside and other cities during 2013, involving around 3,000 disabled young people in total. To find out more visit www.panathlon.com
- The Panathlon Foundation Charity (1072638) is funded this year by the Jack Petchey Foundation, St James’s Place Foundation and various other trusts and charities.
- The Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 and gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11-25. The Foundation is eager to help young people take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society. The Foundation focuses on London and Essex. Since it has been established the Foundation has awarded grants totalling over £80 million. Jack Petchey was awarded a CBE in 2011.
To find out more visit www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk
Enquiries to:
Ashley Iceton, Panathlon Challenge 01279 680980 or ashley@panathlon.com
Simon Lansley, ConnectSport 07973 595791 or simonlansley@connectsport.co.uk
