Building on last year’s success, Panathlon delivered another swimming event in Newcastle this week. 51 children from 10 schools competed at Hadrian Leisure Centre in the under 12 competition, building on last week’s under 20 event.
Newcomers Battle Hill Primary emerged winners from last years champions Benton Dene.
Again the Young leaders were from John Spence School in Newcastle, who led the event this time with their younger crop of students, giving this group an introduction to the charity’s activities, which will see them next year be part of four event days.
Jo Marsh, the teacher in charge from Battle Hill School said, “It was an enjoyable event, with so much variety enabling a cross-section of children to compete.“
Swim instructor Sonya McDonagh, from fellow first-timers Woodlawn School, said: “This was a very well organised event in a child-friendly atmosphere; events were turned around quickly which suited the children well.”
Claire Lee, from Tyne and Wear Sport, said: “This has been another great event. The young ones showed today their appetite for swimming and the desire to compete.”
Battle Hill 64
Benton Dene 57
Northern Counties 51
Percy Hedley 47
Gateshead 37
Woodlawn 25
Beacon Hill 17
Many Thanks to Tyne and Wear Sport for supporting this competition.
The day before in the North East saw a new venue host the Tees Valley Multisport Panathlon. Hartlepool’s Brierton Community Leisure Centre saw local school Springwell regain the title which they held in 2015.
Forty children battled it out for the fifth edition of the county title within this year’s School Games. The teacher in charge of the winning team, Scott Mallabar said: “Panathlon has brought the school so far forward within these five years. We now have lunchtime clubs, Saturday morning sessions all focusing on preparing children for the charity’s sporting opportunities.”
Springwell will now represent Tees Valley once again in next year’s North East Regional competition. Mr. Mallabar also said: We can’t wait to test ourselves against others outside the county. It is important for the children to have external opportunities and also to understand how we can get better.”
Results
Hartlepool 56 pts
Redcar/Cleveland 52pts
Stockton 36 pts
Many Thanks to Tees Valley Sport for supporting this competition