On the 8th of November Panathlon visited Coteford Junior School in Hillingdon to deliver a Primary Panathlon coaching event. Being a mainstream school, 30 primary aged children took part in the activities on offer, and 14 of those were disabled students who will also be attending the West London Borough Primary Panathlon on the 9th of December. With a chance to learn the rules of Boccia Blast, Flight Path, Volleybat and New Age Kurling, the children competed throughout the day until the Green team narrowly squeezed the win.
A special thank you must go to the year 6 Play Leaders who’s enthusiasm on the day was outstanding.
Learning the rules and having the opportunity to take part in the new primary panathlon acitivites was great for the school as we hope to play more of these games during school time and get these children to teach the rules to others within the school. When the disabled students here at Coteford take part in Panathlon events they become idolised and they return to school with medals and a big smile on their face. It does so much for their confidence and it’s humbling to see.”
(Lorraine Veck, teacher at Coteford Junior School)
“My class, both able bodied and those with a disability thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. It was so good to see how the children in each team helped each other, supporting those less able and cheering everybody on. Our Play Leaders also benefited hugely from the day and learning about all the different activities enabled them to practise their leadership skills. They will now be taking this forward to lead small groups in break times and some after school activities. The sense of achievement will stay with all the children for a long time. Thanks once again for a great day.”
