It was an annual celebration of inclusive sport in London on Wednesday 15th October as the London Borough of Hackney Sensory Team (within the Inclusion and Specialist Support Team) held its Panathlon ten-pin bowling event for secondary school students and sixth formers.
It all happened at Rowans Ten Pin Bowl, with students enjoying lunch alongside the competition, plus certificates and medal presentations. Most importantly, the event gave students with sensory needs the opportunity to meet, socialise and network with each other.
“I thought it was wonderful,” said one Year 13 student from ELATT, with one year 11 pupil from Stormont House saying: “It’s one of the best days in the school year.”
A staff member from the Bridge Academy added: “The inclusion of schools and participation of students was brilliant to see. The students from Bridge really enjoyed the event and meeting students from other
schools.”
Mark Sokhal, Qualified Teacher of the Deaf in the Hackney Integrated SEND Service in the London Borough of Hackney explained: “The aim of this event is to give Hackney resident DPH and VI secondary-aged students the opportunity to meet, socialise and network with each other.
“We have a number of DPH and VI students that can become isolated in education provisions and have little opportunity to socialise with other DPH or VI peers. In turn this affects their identity, confidence and well-being. Through these types of events they can meet students with similar needs and begin building friendships and support networks. They can also engage with professionals that work with them in an informal manner.
“All DPH and VI secondary school students on our caseloads are invited. They are accompanied by staff that often work closely with the students, other professionals and parents. We have been running this event annually now with Panathlon and is a fixture of our calendar in October.
“Students and accompanying staff that attend have always enjoyed the event and spoke very highly of it. Students form connections and friendships with peers. The event leads to other discussions and work with professionals before and after the event. This includes sports, health and safety, interpersonal skills, social stories and any thing else that can come up when preparing for the trip and when debriefing.”
Tony Waymouth, COO of Panathlon, added: “It is important for these young people to have
opportunities amongst their peers, and events such as this mean they can extend friendships and networks.”
The Jack Petchey Foundation proudly supports this event.
