Lakeside shopping centre is supporting local disabled children in Thurrock through an investment of £3,000 in the Panathlon Challenge.

The donation will help around 50 young disabled people living in Thurrock to receive free sports equipment, coaching funds and to participate in the Panathlon Challenge 2009 which, for the first time, will involve teams from all over Essex.

This year, across the country, the Panathlon Challenge will involve over 2,500 young disabled sportsmen and women in a series of competitive sporting events, all being rewarded with medals and trophies. Events will take place in London, Liverpool, Plymouth, Kent and, new for 2009, Essex.

Sophie Scott, Marketing Manager for Lakeside said, “We are delighted to be investing in the Panathlon Challenge and young disabled people in Thurrock. Our support demonstrates our commitment to the communities that we serve and to empowering young people. I wish Team Lakeside Thurrock good luck in their competition against the other teams in Essex”

John Hymers, Chair of the Panathlon Foundation said, “We are delighted that Lakeside has invested in the Panathlon Challenge in Essex. This donation will help young disabled people in Thurrock to receive expert coaching, specialised sporting equipment and mini-Paralympic type sports competitions. We are very grateful for their generous support.”