On the 5th June 2013, Panathlon through funding from the Jack Petchey Foundation, partnered with the Wheelchair Football Association and Boccia England to deliver a Powerchair Athlete Day.
The first event of its kind, the day aimed to introduce students to three sports and offered students the chance to use specialist football powerchairs to further develop their skills. In the afternoon, students undertook Boccia Paralympic pathway skills testing designed and delivered by Boccia England.
With the opportunity to compete in both sports, 14 children representing 5 different schools attended the day at Southall Leisure Centre, Ealing. 8 Young leaders from Ealing Girls School were also present to offer encouragement, advice and aid students’ developing their skills.
“It’s great fun being able to use these football powerchairs. I like that they go really fast and we have a big area to play in.” Ali Hayda – Richard Cloudesley School
“This is the first time I played powerchair football and it was really good fun. I scored 2 goals!” Charlie Roberts – Glebe School
Pictures can be seen in the gallery section here
This is one of the 6 impairment specific multi-sports days that Panathlon are piloting through funding from Jack Petchey Foundation this year to explore the opportunities open to young people with either visual and or hearing impairments and powerchair users.
