Panathlon’s “massive” value to School Games Sports Partnerships was exemplified at this week’s 10-pin bowling competitions in Greater Manchester.
We staged three days of primary and secondary bowling events at Sandbrook Park in Rochdale in partnership with Oldham School Games, Rochdale Borough School Games Partnership and the Oldham School Sports Partnership (SSP) from 15-17 November.
>>> Check out a full gallery of pics from Rochdale here <<<
Working with School Games Organisers (SGOs) and SSPs enables Panathlon to tap into their local networks of school staff who can identify pupils with special needs and disabilities (SEND) who will benefit most from our tailored competitive sporting competitions.
Dean Hepburn, Oldham School Games Organiser, and Tim Liptrot, Oldham School Sports Partnership Manager, outlined the many benefits of working in partnership with Panathlon.
“Panathlon has allowed us to bring our offer for children with additional needs in line with what we offer mainstream pupils, so that they can also find a sport they fall in love with,” said Tim.
Dean Hepburn, Oldham School Games Organiser, and Tim Liptrot, Oldham School Sports Partnership Manager, outlined the many benefits of working in partnership with Panathlon.
“Panathlon has allowed us to bring our offer for children with additional needs in line with what we offer mainstream pupils, so that they can also find a sport they fall in love with,” said Tim.
“We have always had a massive variety of opportunities for mainstream pupils, but previously our SEN offer consisted of three boccia events, some new-age kurling and tri-golf. If you’re not into those things, you might think that there’s nothing out there for you and potentially disengage. Panathlon has allowed us to widen that menu for people with SEND, giving them more opportunities to fall in love with sport.”
Panathlon’s cross-borough 10-pin bowling event last year was so successful that it was split into several separate competitions for Oldham and Rochdale schools this week. We five competitions planned in Oldham over the coming academic year which will progress into regional finals as our network grows across the Greater Manchester boroughs.
Dean explained how the first Panathlon competition in Oldham last year enabled him and Tim to make new connections with SEN coordinators in local schools and build a distribution list.
“We now have a thorough list of SENCO contacts at local primary and secondary schools in addition to our PE Lead contacts, which has enabled us to increase the number of pupils we’ve invited to the three days of 10-pin bowling here.
“Targeting SENCOs has been massive for us in reaching a wider network of pupils, giving them an opportunity to get active and creating that desire to try it again. We’ve also seen connections and friendships formed between SENCOs at competing schools, which can lead to some really positive outcomes.
“For us, having Panathlon coordinate and deliver the competition means we as SGOs can step back and have lots of positive conversations with staff and pupils and share other opportunities we’ve got.
“I’ve had two or three conversations today where teachers have told me it’s the first time some pupils have represented the school – or even left the school premises – since Covid. What a wonderful opportunity that they will cherish for a very long time. It makes it so worthwhile.”
Tim admitted that, like most SGOs, his expertise lies in providing opportunities for mainstream pupils. So not only does Panathlon’s expertise in SEND provision help upskill them, we also bring a reputation for quality that helps persuade school staff of the value of pupils coming out of school to take part.
“Sometimes it’s a bit of a battle with SLTs [School Leadership Teams] to allow children time out of the classroom, but coming to such well organised events that give children such a rewarding experience makes our story easier to tell. We can clearly show them the rewards on offer in terms of impact.
“After all, these competitions aren’t just about sport – for SEN pupils it’s about the experience of getting in a minibus, the journey, going to a public setting, competing against other schools, encountering other young people who are just like them and getting together as a community. These are really important factors.”
The school staff and pupils at the Panathlon Oldham primary 10-pin bowling competition certainly supported those assertions.
“These children are on the SEN register but their disadvantage is really all about confidence levels,” said Adam Young from St Thomas’s Moorside Primary School. “They don’t have the confidence to put themselves forward for selection on mainstream sports teams or perhaps even play with their peers – Panathlon gives them that opportunity and builds that confidence.”
Mr Albison, Sports Teaching Assistant at Higher Failsworth Primary, said: “I gave the letters out on Monday and they have been buzzing all week, asking me, ‘When are we going? When are we going?’
“When we get back to school they show these medals in assembly and they are really proud of themselves. They see other children access events and receive acclaim in assembly, now this is their turn. That’s why they love it so much. They all have additional needs, some of them quite severe, but putting them on a level playing field with similar children is so valuable.”
Higher Failsworth pupil Emily Waters, 9, said: “At first I was scared but then when I got to do it, I was really happy and I really liked it. When I get home, I’m going to hang my medal up in my window so everyone can see.”
A beaming Mace Power, 8, added: “I loved it. The best bit was when I got a strike. I was amazed, just really proud of myself. I got a medal in Year 2 so I’m going to put this one next to it.”
St. Joseph’s RC Junior School won last year’s Oldham ten-pin final and progressed to our North-West Regional Finals in Bolton. Head Teacher Garry Needle said: “We might win, we might come last, but the important thing is children have come out, bonded together as a team and shown resilience.
“Seeing them working together and celebrating spares and strikes is absolutely superb. Putting on PE kit and representing the school means so much to them. Charities like Panathlon who put events on for this cohort are essential. We can’t wait for the next event.”
Champions Holy Family Primary were led by an ecstatic 10-year-old Charlie (above, centre), who said: “I need to thank all my team. We couldn’t have won it without each other. I feel so happy! My mum is going to shout her head off!
“I’m keeping this medal on me forever. My sister used to be a gymnast and she’s got loads of medals – so I’m really going to show it off to her tonight!”
Holy Family Head Teacher Alison Tunnicliffe said: “We never win anything! They are absolutely made up. It’s huge for them. It makes them believe that no matter what ability or additional need you have, you can still achieve and do fantastic things.”
