The Panathlon Challenge has been granted the Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme.
The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Panathlon’s work in creating football opportunities over the next two years for visually impaired footballers is one example of inspiration fired by the 2012 Paralympics. Panathlon plans to follow its successful model in developing Powerchair football, and create 5 clubs across London with coaching and competitive opportunities for visually impaired footballers.
Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “Panathlon is encouraging young disabled footballers to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Panathlon , we are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in London .”
Panathlon works with several funding partners, including the Football Foundation and has enabled participation of over 500 young disabled footballers with either severe learning difficulties or who are Powerchair users, since 2009. The addition of coaching and competitive opportunities for visually impaired footballers, means regardless of whatever impairment or disability, Panathlon can offer sporting opportunities to all.
