Harry Baetu is celebrating a success on his sporting career path – and one of his first steps was with Panathlon.
Now heading into sixth form, he has just started a NCFE Sports course with Arsenal in the Community after discovering competitive sport with Alexandra Park School in north London.
He joined the school only in year 8, after leaving a school which let him down and did not understand how to support his needs. When he arrived at Alexandra Park, he had very low self-esteem, and the new surroundings meant he was very much out of his comfort zone and with the increased travel to the school and an unfamiliar area, life was quite daunting. He would keep things to himself, he did not want any attention on him, he would not raise his hand in class or admit he did not understand. His confidence was at an all-time low.
But as the outstanding efforts of his teachers and some classmates took effect, he progressed in a way neither he nor the family ever imagined possible.
Inclusion in PE and School Sport Lead Mr Bren Amooty realised Harry’s strengths were in sport, where he had a new opportunity to shine through Panathlon – which was the start for him as a competitor and as a leader.
Sport through Panathlon gave him a sense of achievement he would never get from the classroom and made him feel important, worthy and proud. Mr Amooty has since said little did anyone know that these opportunities not only helped him to grow as a person but also laid the foundation for his application at Arsenal in December 2024 – with his achievements in Panathlon helping him to stand out.
One of the questions he was asked in the interview process was: “Name one thing you are proud of and
feel like you’ve accomplished.” His response was: “Helping children with special needs at the Boccia events.”
Panathlon is delighted to have been part of Harry’s discovery of sport and leadership which has allowed him to have the confidence to be part of the wider community.
Tony Waymouth, COO of the Panathlon Foundation, says: “What Harry has achieved with Alexandra Park School is a great example of what the right environment can do for a young person. The role that the school and Panathlon play in providing participation in a variety of aspects of school life means that children can find outlets and develop their skills in them.
“We thank the Jack Petchey Foundation for continuing to support the role Panathlon plays in the SEND community with its funding and confidence in us to make transformational change in the sector.”
