Panathlon proved to be “a turning point” for Doucecroft School pupil Luca – and his remarkable progress has been recognised in our 2024 Woodland Group Essex Outstanding Achievement awards.
Luca received the runner-up trophy in our long-time sponsors’ annual awards for outstanding Panathletes across Essex. Other Doucecroft pupils were also honoured by Woodland Group on Thursday 19 December for their development as Panathletes and sports leaders whilst at our competitions.
Essex runner-up Luca experienced multiple problems at his previous school. He had never been allowed on a school trip and had extremely limited involvement in PE and sport. When he first arrived at Doucecroft – a specialist school in Colchester for children with autism and additional complex needs – he would not talk to PE staff or get involved in any sporting activity.
Only after weeks of patient persuasion from Doucecroft’s PE coordinator Andrea Griffiths did Luca eventually take part in an in-school sport session that was set up with the same activities as a Panathlon competition. After just watching for several sessions, he slowly started to engage.
After overcoming his fears, he now loves PE and has been a member of the school Panathlon team at a primary multiskills event, a ten-pin bowling competition and a swimming gala at the London Aquatics Centre.
“Those events gave him an absolutely amazing boost in confidence and showed him that he could achieve and feel part of a group,” said Andrea. “Getting the medals was absolutely the turning point. It was incredible for him.
“Luca is now a very friendly young man and always joins in with the sports despite his day-to-day struggles. He’s like a completely different person. He started with very low self-confidence and would not speak or make eye contact. However, he has overcome all of this and made lots of new friends. He has a very positive attitude around physical activity now and will give every PE activity a try.”
After watching him receive his Woodland Group award, Luca’s proud mum, Bryony Desmond-Hurst, said: “Coming to Doucecroft has changed everything. His confidence has flourished in a way I didn’t realise was possible. He’s really come out of his shell and is so much happier at home.
“He would never have done any sport before, yet Andrea has really helped him to enjoy PE and the Panathlon competitions have just been so beneficial. They have been a really big part of it.”
Luca himself added: “I love everything about Panathlon. There’s a really good selection of games. I’ve got a Panathlon medal at home. I’m pretty proud, to be honest! When I look at my medal it makes me happy.”
Woodland Group prizes
At the school’s Christmas award ceremony, further Woodland Group prizes were given to pupils for achievements in school, including PE, sport and Panathlon.
- Billy and Jacob in Key Stage 3 were given awards for showing outstanding leadership skills. Both boys regularly take leadership roles at Panathlons and in PE lessons, helping other learners join in by demonstrating and giving them positive support. They also help PE staff set up sessions and run them with staff support. “It has been wonderful to watch their confidence grow,” said Andrea.
- Jake was given the Key Stage 2 award after overcoming the issues he experienced working alongside peers and wearing his PE kit. He now joins in lessons happily and takes part in the Panathlon competitions held at school. Staff are now preparing him to go to external Panathlons and other off-site sporting activities.
“Sport has made a massive difference”
Archie, Eli, Jordan and Michael all won Key Stage 3/4 awards. All of them are new to the school but give 100% in PE lessons. They took part in the in-house Panathlon and were part of the Doucecroft team in the external Panathlon ten-pin bowling competition.
Jordan’s dad Barry Stelfox said: “It really helps him control his emotions when he’s in the team events. The fact that he takes part willingly and tries to moderate his behaviour is a major, major step forward for him. When he received the award, he actually asked, ‘Are you sure you’ve got the right person?’ He struggles very much with his self-confidence but, fingers crossed, this is a stepping stone for him to go on to become better equipped in day-to-day situations.”
Archie’s mum Charlotte Stokell reflected: “Sport has made a massive difference to his school life and the Panathlon has allowed him to be included and encouraged by the staff. It has given him so much confidence. He’s really proud of himself which is amazing to see.
“Today’s awards ceremony was brilliant. They got their certificates and trophies and they’ve been really excited. It makes them so proud of themselves. He doesn’t do any sport outside of school but at Panathlon the children really encourage each other and the teamwork is so valuable.”
The awards ceremony was especially emotional for Doucecroft assistant headteacher Kuben Reddy, as it was his last day at the school after 21 years. He is moving to Little Heath School in Redbridge, who regularly take part in Panathlon. “The opportunity Panathlon gives kids is brilliant,” he commented. “It isn’t just about sport – it’s the soft skills such as confidence, independence and social skills which are so important.”
Headteacher Sam Lawrence also praised Panathlon’s impact across the school. “Panathlon gives them an opportunity to represent the school, so they can be celebrated. It shows them that their autism doesn’t have to be a barrier. We give them a platform to achieve in school, but Panathlon enables them to do it out in the community too.”
Chris Harvey from Panathlon’s long-time sponsors Woodland Group added: “I’ve been to many Panathlons over the years and they’re always inspiring. You come away so proud to be involved. The children never want to leave the events. Competitive sport is incredibly valuable for them and learning to win and lose is so important.”
